By Yiep Joseph
A civil society activist has urged President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to heed Pope Francis’s call for peace.
On Friday Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Séamus Horgan handed over a written message from Pope Francis to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar at their respective offices in Juba.
In the message, Pope urged South Sudan’s political leaders to pursue peace, reconciliation, and development.
This came at the time parties to the Peace agreement continue to face challenges such as conflict in some parts of the country that may threaten the peace.
In an interview with this outlet, Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) urged the principals to respect Pope’s call for peace in the country.
Activist Manyang stated that President Kiir and Dr. Machar have a responsibility to build peace in the country citing that they have to respect the call for Peace from the Pope.
“Both Kiir and Machar have the primary responsibility to build and make peace in the country, there is a need for them to promote political tolerance likewise to their associates” he said
He added serval calls has been made for the two leaders to build trust and ensure that the peace agreement is implemented.
Manyang appealed to the leaders to adhere to the call for peace in order to pave the way for development like other countries.
“South Sudan can’t afford to go for another war while the rest of the region are talking about developmental programs expanding their Airports, Roads, building modern hospitals and Universities that will enhance the research and innovation,” he said.
“South Sudan needs an honest and genius approach on national issues, peace is vital for society because it enables social and economic development, fosters trust and cooperation, and allows individuals to focus on their well-being and pursue opportunities without fear of violence or conflict,” he added.
In his address following the conflict in Nasir of Upper Nile state, President Salva Kiir urged citizens to remain calm and reiterated his commitment to peace, vowing not to return the country to war.
“The government I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast on the path of peace. My condolences to the families of General Majur Dak and his men. They died in service to our nation. May their souls rest in peace. I call for calm nationwide,” he said.
Also, in a separate statement office of the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar expressed commitment toward the implementation of the peace agreement despite challenges.
Despite such promises, citizens, peace Monitors, and civil society continue to call on President Salva Kiir and the First Vice President to build trust and implement the 2018 peace agreement without any delay or excuses.