By John Akoon
Chairperson of the Common People Alliance (CPA), Deng Bol Aruai, has made a resolute declaration regarding his aspirations for the Presidential seat in the upcoming elections.
He emphasizes that his desire to lead the nation has not wavered, his outspoken views on the country’s issues despite facing considerable pressure and threats from some factions within his supporter base to temper.
In a statement, Bol reaffirmed his unwavering intent to run for the presidency, underscoring his commitment to addressing urgent matters such as war, inequality, and societal pain.
“My resolve to seek the presidency remains steadfast. I have consistently voiced my opposition to conflict and injustice, not for political expediency, but because it is inherently the right path to take,” he asserted.
Despite experiencing hostility from certain supporters who have expressed a desire for him to remain silent on controversial national issues, Bol remains undeterred.
“Some have threatened to withdraw their support simply because I choose to speak the truth. However, I refuse to compromise my principles for the sake of securing votes. I will not silence myself to alleviate discomfort in others; the silence we have endured has already exacted a heavy toll on our nation,” he declared.
This stance comes in the wake of criticism from individuals Bol refers to as his ‘supporters,’ who have urged him to refrain from commenting on sensitive political matters.
Nevertheless, he insists that his primary goal is not to preside over a fractured nation but rather to foster a stable and harmonious society.
“I aspire to lead a country where every citizen feels safe, valued, and proud to be part of a united community,” he explained.
The situation in the nation is exacerbated by the deteriorating status of the 2018 peace agreement, initially designed to guide the country toward a smoother electoral process.
Many activists have raised alarms about the potential collapse of this crucial framework, urging all parties involved in the peace accord to return to the negotiating table to avoid further turmoil.
Following a recent outbreak of violence in the Upper Nile State, Nicolas Haysom, the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and Special Representative of the Secretary-General has called for all factions to exercise restraint and uphold the principles of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“The leaders of this nation stand at a critical juncture, faced with the choice of either descending into widespread chaos or steering the country toward a future defined by peace, recovery, and democratic governance, in line with the consensus achieved in 2018,” Haysom stated.