who will win it?
By John Blanshe Musinguzi
Two and half years ago when citizens
of South Sudan attained their long awaited independence from former oppressors
in Khartoum, it was hoped that the South would prosper and enjoy freedom it
rightfully deserves.
But hopes and expectations began to dwindle and threaten
when Government in Khartoum under current President of Sudan embarked on
delaying tactics to implement post-independence issues such as border
demarcation, Abyei Referendum, and resolutions over claimed disputed areas
which culminated into oil shutdown by the Government of the Republic of South
Sudan because the oil was being stolen and looted in a broad daylight by
Al-Bashir’s Government.
The oil shutdown continued for over
a year before it resumed this early year. Then, there was a heighten hope that
South Sudan economic condition would improve comes January 2014.
Unfortunately, SPLM lingering
infighting and power struggle resulted into an unjustified coup attempt by Dr.
Riek Machar and his faction on Sunday. Dr. Riek’s failed coup has caused
incalculable destruction in South Sudan in terms of lives and properties lost
mostly in Juba, Jonglei and Western Upper Nile State (formerly Unity State).
Dr Riek Machar’ fatal mistakes
The fugitive Dr. Riek did not have
guts and courage as a leader to lead his men in combat in Juba on Sunday,
December 15, 2013, the night of coup attempt. Dr. Riek’s escape from Juba
leaving behind his helpless men was a contradiction to his repeated assurance
to his collaborators that he would be with them in Juba until "last
drop" of his blood
His allied forces are indiscriminately killing
families and residents of his co-conspirators such as Dr. Majak Agot, Madam
Rebecca, Gier Chuang, and Oyai Deng, just to name but a few. The continuous
U-turn action on the part of Dr. Riek is troubling, to say the least. It
describes more on his deceptive personality as a leader that should warrants no
respect and trust whatsoever.
He is overseeing massacres of innocent
civilians and country’s organized forces for whom he "staged the coup to
protect and lead" and eventually makes South Sudan "an African
Tiger," as he deceptively would like others to believe. It beats people’s
logical and conscience how a person who aspires for nation’s leadership behaves
the way he is conducting himself in the eyes of South Sudanese, not to mention
the international community at large.
Furthermore, Dr. Riek’s deceptions
and contradictions explain why he should not be trusted now and in the future
by the whole world. This is because Dr. Riek Machar has been tested many times
during and after liberation struggle, chief of which are 1991 theoretical coup
and December 15, 2013 failed coup, albeit with lots of blood-letting and
properties lost or destroyed.
Why Kiir may survive
He has already received support from
his friend Yoweri Kaguta Museveni president of the republic of Uganda. Kenya is
also about to send their troops to South Sudan. Whereas these states claim
aiming to evacuate their citizens. I don’t hope so.
Peace initiatives
South Sudanese, world leaders and
well-wishers have been championing peace and reconciliation initiatives to
bring together fugitive Riek and leaders of the Republic of South Sudan.
Although it’s a good intention, the reconciliation should not be on expenses of
the Republic of South Sudan leaders but not forced by other outside leaders.
Historically, people of South Sudan
are famous of being resilience in the face of difficulties and temptations. So,
in the wake of widespread mourns across South Sudan, I hope they will fight and
bring back peace and stability in Africa’s youngest nation however negotiations
remain the best way to end this conflict.
These peace initiative must be tried
as early as possible before the violence escalates beyond were it is today.
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