On the 43rd anniversary of the SPLA, President Salva Kiir made claims that former Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir offered him $505 million to abandon the South Sudan independence referendum. This assertion is inconsistent with the historical record. Evidence suggests that President Kiir was, at best, disengaged from the push for self-determination. The referendum succeeded not due to his leadership, but because of the steadfastness of Pagan Amum and other compatriots, external pressure from the United States on Al-Bashir during a meeting in Uganda with President Museveni, and the advocacy of figures such as George Clooney and his associates. Crucially, South Sudanese diaspora communities in Europe and the Americas mobilized through parliamentary outreach and public demonstrations. Without these efforts, the referendum would likely not have taken place.
President Kiir now seeks to claim credit, but many witnesses—including those of us in Europe—recall a different reality. In Europe, extensive work was done to secure a vote in the European Parliament, representing all 28 member states at the time, in favor of the right of the South Sudanese people to self-determination.
When Wani Igga appeared before the European Parliament on behalf of the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), that invitation did not materialize spontaneously. It resulted from sustained efforts by the diaspora, particularly in Germany, which held the presidency of the European Parliament in 2007–2008. Diaspora members knocked on doors across Europe to make that hearing possible. President Kiir was unaware of these efforts, as he was preoccupied with personal matters and what many describe as a corrupt administration in Juba.
Ultimately, the European Parliament voted unanimously to support the right of South Sudanese to self-determination through a referendum as stipulated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
If President Kiir is sincere about his commitment to self-determination, several questions remain unanswered. Why has his regime refused to accept the results of the Abyei referendum, held 13 years ago? Why does his government continue to stall and withhold recognition? As recently stated by Michael Makuei: “If we recognize the results of the Abyei referendum, the Sudanese government will declare war on us.” This statement alone suggests that the Kiir regime has abandoned principle in exchange for political and financial expediency.
President Kiir has also made claims that are difficult to reconcile with facts. He alleged a coup attempt where none existed. He stated he would not start a war, yet conflicts broke out in 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2025, continuing into 2026. He has broken every signed peace agreement and has recently positioned his daughter in a leadership role, treating the country as personal property.
During a meeting with Pagan Amum and other comrades who advised him to reconsider his governance style—particularly after he began suspending party and government members—Kiir reportedly responded: “I will destroy this country and throw it in the toilet so that no one who comes after me can pick it up.” By multiple accounts, he has indeed destroyed much of the country. Nevertheless, the people of South Sudan stand ready to rebuild once he is gone.
To President Salva Kiir: You will go to the dustbin of history. We will build this country for future generations. You will not be missed.
In summary, who can forget Pagan Amum’s declaration that the referendum would proceed even if it rained fire, as he challenged the Sudanese government? President Kiir should stop claiming glory for a process he did not lead. History must be corrected, not rewritten with fabricated stories.
The writer is a lawyer, political activist, and a member of the National Salvation Front (NAS). She can be reached via tereza89@yahoo.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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