Activist sounds alarm as selection of ministerial portfolios delays
Ter Manyang Gatwech, CPA’s National Coordinator (Photo: Profile Picture)
March 1, 2020 (SSNN)– A South Sudanese human rights organization based in Juba, the Center for Peace and Advocacy CPA’s National Coordinator, Ter Manyang Gatwech has raised concerns about the emerging differences between the two parties over the selection of key ministerial portfolios.
The group urged President Kiir and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar not to appoint individuals blacklisted by the international community for their actions, which are considered threats to the peace agreement.
“All ministers were sanctioned by US government should not appear in the unity government if both Kiir- Machar want to bring trust of International Community and support.”
“Citizens want new faces (ministers) who will be held accountable to the citizens and that do not abuse the power during the 36-month Transitional Period, so that the citizens can re- gain trust in the country.”
He stressed that all citizens should be treated equally, given fair opportunities and freedom to participate in any public events without intimidation.
“All citizens should have equal opportunities for their participation in public affairs in order for us to have meaning democratic country.”
He called on President Kiir and his first Vice-president, Dr. Riek Machar, to demonstrate a renewed spirit of cooperation and take anti-corruption measures in the new unity government.
“CPA called on President Salva Kiir and 1st Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to work together and avoid the corruption, extortion, nepotism, patronage and fraud in order by taking measures to make sure that fair transparent government can strengthen the general trust in public institutions like South Sudan National Police Service, Judiciary, Legislative and Executive.”
The group explained that everyone has the right to express their views on national issues, irrespective of gender, age and political affiliation.
“Everyone has right to participate in decision- making, in regardless of gender, age, political affiliation, ethnicity however, the citizens’ hope is that after the formation of the R-TGNOU, the Transitional Government will embark on the implementation of the rest of the provisions of the Agreement to ensure that the lasting peace is achieved, which is the goal of the R-ARCSS, 2018.”
“People want to see the government respect for personal freedoms and sharing of democratic values such as tolerance, fairness, mutual respect, honesty, responsibility, accountability and divergent opinions tolerance for peaceful co- existence is enhance during the 36- month in implementation of peace agreement.”
Rule of law to protect citizens must be observed by the Unity Government
“In the new unity government, a person’s house should not be searched by the National Security Service without obtaining approval or a judicial order proving that there is a reason for such a search warrant.”
“These measures should be enforced by Joint Police Unit in the country. Similarly people charged with crimes should not be held in prison for protracted periods before being tried. They are entitled to have a speedy and public trial and to confront and question their accusers. The police or any other agent of government may not use torture, physical or psychological abuse against suspects under any circumstances. Cruel or unusual punishments are prohibited by law.”
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