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Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation

November 30, 2011 (JUBA) – Salva Kiir Mayardit, president of the Republic of South Sudan and leader of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has warned against violence and called for religious cooperation with the state in an address broadcast on South Sudan televion Wednesday.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir prays during a Sunday service in Juba on January 16, 2011,  (Getty)
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir prays during a Sunday service in Juba on January 16, 2011, (Getty)
Speaking at a religious function in Yei on 27 November Kiir called on citizens to disregard their political affiliations and foster unity for the development of the country. The rally was attended by thousands of supporters and sympathisers of the ruling party.

“Let’s unite as one people. As South Sudanese we should forget about our political affiliations; let’s know that the way we unite and come together as people from the same parents is the way forward for the country, President Kiir told the congregation in a function attended by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Juba Diocese, Paulino Lokudu Loro.

Kiir congratulated citizens of Yei River county in Central Equate State, for the successes gained in the last general elections and referendum in which majority voted overwhelmingly in favour of the secession of South Sudan from the north and urged them to remain united in both good and difficult times.

“Our division will only take the country backwards,” the former rebel leader turned politician told the multitude of supporters at a religious function reportedly attended by the whole town. He also congratulated bishop of Yei diocese for keeping the diocese united in serving God and preaching peace and reconciliation among the local population.

The president said: “from 1947 to 2005; the country was united and remained united against external aggression though Khartoum attempted to take advantage of civil wars with the South to introduce tribalism”.

He said that despite being independent the country is marred by massive underdevelopment from its past. While averring that his government is “not afraid” of anything apart from God, the president stressed that deeds matter more the words.

Since self rule in 2005 South Sudan has suffered from endemic corruption and poorly run civil service, failing to deliver the services and build the infrastructure that many thought would be possible.

Warns against violence

Kiir called on the Church to preach against violence in all its manifestations.

“You all know that violence and development can’t go together. Where you have violence even worshiping of God becomes impossible. So we will not tolerate unrest in this country. I want to appeal to you not to fight or indulge in violence even if you are insulted. The day that you will pay back is when you punish the person in the form of voting against the party to which that person belongs,” he stated.

He urged South Sudanese in general to maintain peace and order in the country, while stressing that he will not tolerate those that have tried all means to destabilise the country.

South Sudan has several rebellions operating mainly in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile states.

He added: “The peace and stability in this country is the end result of why we are worshiping God and that is why too that there are developmental activities taking place here in this county. Yei is one of the places in this country witnessing a lot of developmental activities because of peace and stability”

(ST)

8 Comments

  • Eastern
    Eastern

    Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation
    Here goes the former alter boy (Kiir). Please separate the state from religion. South Sudan is a secular state. It is for all of us: the animists, catholics, protestants, muslims, …. the list continues. We appreciate your strong profession to catholicism. Do not try to influence the nation. Remember we look up to you for leadership guidance. Thanks.

    Reply
  • Alier42
    Alier42

    Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation
    Mr president, that cathalic of yours will not have an impact in our problems,in our secular state,the choatic situation the country experient now, will never come an end ,untill the current leadership is no more.the public resources looted by Kiir,s goverment had put so many people in pain,you expect more violence in the next months.

    Reply
  • Dekery
    Dekery

    Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation
    Aleir42,

    You are just a stugges of Arabs

    Do you think Southerners are like before, what pain at least every one is busy doing some thing for himself, hug and smalls buildings are coming up in every corner in South Sudan alike in the past

    Don’t mix things

    Dekery

    Reply
  • Majak Mawien
    Majak Mawien

    Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation
    What is talking in you guy? I would like you to stop encouraging violence. Kiir him self dislike and
    looting of public resources by govt officials is not a major cuase of violence. Violence is social problem known world wide. Now he call upon all religious leaders not only Christian leaders a part from Catholic you have said his.
    You now talk of ending up current leadership. what is that?

    Reply
  • Majak Mawien
    Majak Mawien

    Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation
    Aliar42;
    Power abuse through words is also violence.

    Reply
  • alhaz
    alhaz

    Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation
    visit
    Mr president,ur visit to my home town and address my people was very important and historic since we split from those idiot so called jallabs that has been bombing my town as if Al-bashir has hiden gold in my town where tomorrow he will face and answer his crime in ICC.
    we have welcomeed ur advice mr kiir , as u knew it very well that people of Yei are all SPLM and support ur leadership

    Reply
  • alhaz
    alhaz

    Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation
    so long u deliver us our needs of basic services like security,proper Roads and bridges,Clean water sytem ,education and hospitals,tackling of corruption and agriculture in our country south sudan
    As per now we shall never focuse on those politician who lia to do some things that was promised but no implimentation like EDiot Al-Bashir who promised to build hospitals free education but was a lie.

    Reply
  • akid malual
    akid malual

    Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation
    all southern including the pervious non contribite are now welcome you Mr President with enjoy and loading of happies of the single Contribute hold great waiting of the long War. Brother oyee. your effort oyee. non contribute oyee.

    Reply
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