I have observed a group of men, some of whom played significant roles in the destruction of South Sudan, seeking IGAD’s intervention regarding the country’s issues. It is a group of hyenas trying to assemble and stage an attack to be given a thigh of a fat cow. President Salva Kiir should now be restrained from feeding these hyenas; whatever they would have received should be given to the citizens or channeled to development.
They argue that without their participation in the government, the country is on the verge of collapse. They claim that the president made a risky decision to dissolve the RTGoNU, which was originally set to last for only 36 months but was extended for nearly eight years. They loudly assert that this decision is harmful and that the president and his caretaker government lack legitimacy. Such assertions are shortsighted and self-serving. They reveal no genuine intention to benefit the citizens. The uproar does not actually arise from a desire to help; instead, those making the noise are seeking sympathy and validation from regional organizations, with hope that these regional organizations (IGAD) will pressure the government into accepting them once again. Their tears are nothing more than crocodile tears.
“Nyinpel and bang combined. Who do you think you are?” to borrow from Adhet’s popular phrase.
The president’s decision is acceptable to the South Sudanese. Calling him illegitimate is merely a form of reverse psychology. Who, in the first place, granted you the legitimacy to question the government’s legitimacy? If your legitimacy is based on the rights of citizens, do you consider those appointed to the government as non-citizens? Don’t you think they also have the right to question your legitimacy? Your selfish interests should now choke you as you indulge in your ill-gotten gains, wherever you may be.
Anyone who wishes to participate in the government should go to South Sudan and engage in the elections. If you believe elections will not be effective, then stay where you are. You cannot continue to hold the country hostage with an oversized government and nearly a decade of violence while still believing that Kiir is solely responsible for the mistakes.
You may consider yourselves good thinkers, believing that only your ideas matter and are implementable. However, it appears that you rely on TROIKA, IGAD and other regional bodies to support you, perpetuating the notion that our country is merely an economic hunting ground. Such behavior is unacceptable. The tactics are transparent; you are not aiming to correct past wrongs. Instead, you are seeking appointments to exploit the country further, leaving it in devastation, just as you have done before.
The dialogue you sought was offered, but you selfishly ignored it or opposed others, rendering the agreement you desired unattainable. Consequently, those platforms disappeared, overshadowed by your self-interest, and they should not resurface. President Salva Kiir Mayardit should now lead the country without yielding to your negative agitation.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has been attentive to the international community, regional leaders, and organizations. However, the decisions pursued through these channels have not contributed positively to the country. One such was ARCSS, that led to J1 dogfight, later R-ARCSS that was extended for 8 years, spiced with Nasir’s annihilation of the entire brigade and that has impeded development. It is time to support his decisions, as they may provide the solutions we need. The caretaker government, along with the upcoming elections and the government it will establish, is the best course of action.
No opposition group or leader has been mandated by the citizens with as much legitimacy as President Salva, who, alongside Dr. John Garang de Mabior, led the liberation struggle and later championed the independence of the country. You may claim to take it away, but that will not happen. Most of you have revealed that you are nothing more than thieves who feel comfortable only when profiting.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit should not heed the calls for destruction. Many who falsely claimed South Sudanese citizenship now reside in their original homelands, disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens. These individuals make noise in the name of South Sudan while enjoying life in other countries. When they attain leadership, they are satisfied; when they do not, they threaten to set South Sudan ablaze. This behavior is selfish, and these ambitions need to be confronted and permanently eradicated.
You have fought against me out of selfishness for years in opposition, and now I have made a unilateral decision to stand alongside President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
I can even take this personal by stating this fact: majority of you have never gained any public support. It is the very same President Salva Kiir Mayardit whom you are attacking, the one who made you leaders by giving you lucrative positions. You have stolen the nation’s wealth and are now using it to fuel the bloodshed. Woe to you, and war be upon you.
Till then, yours truly, Mr. Teetotaler!
The writer, Dr. Sunday de John, holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, respectively. He is the current Chairman of the South Sudan United Front-Progressive and can be reached via drsundayalong4@gmail.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.
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