Machar issues statement on Commemoration of 6th Anniversary of 2013 Massacre
South Sudan’s main armed opposition leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny (Photo: Supplied)
Dec 16th, 2019 (SSNN)-South Sudan’s main armed opposition leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny has issued a statement on the commemoration of the 6th Anniversary of the 2013 Nuer Massacre – a deadly event in which – forces loyal to President Kiir Mayardit carried out door-to-door “ethnic cleansing” against the Nuer, targeting and killing everyone including women and children in the capital, Juba.
“I am writing from Juba this letter of commemoration of the massacre of thousands of civilians in Juba in the week of December 15 – 22, 2013, which triggered the five-year vicious war that resulted to untold suffering to our people including destruction of livelihoods and property, mass internal displacement and over five million citizens forced to take refuge in the neighboring countries and in the wider diaspora.
“As you are aware we signed on September 2018 a peace agreement that brought to an end the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Thus we ensured prevalence of peace despite two failed attempts to implement the security arrangements and determine the number of States and their boundaries,” said the SPLM-IO Chairman, Dr. Riek Machar.
The opposition leader, Machar noted that SPLM-IO members are working hard to ensure the agreement is fully implemented.
“Our teams in the implementation mechanisms have been working from Juba with their counterparts in government to implement the pre-transitional period activities, a perquisite for establishment of the Revitalized transitional Government of National Unity. The pre-transitional period has now since been extended twice after of the initial first eight months time line. Our committees are determined and committed to overcome the impediments in the course of implementation of the agreement.”
“I came to Juba on 10th December 2019 to have talks with President Kiir and to support our teams in a hope to resolve the critical outstanding pre-transitional issues, namely: security arrangements, number of states and their boundaries, funding of the implementation ofthe agreement and the need of politi car space. We shall strenuously engage the government to resolve these issues and for the government to live to its commitment to avail funding.”
Machar added that the signing of the peace agreement has significantly reduced violence between the government and opposition groups in the country.
“I believe our people have enjoyed the last fifteen months of peace. Permanent ceasefire has held ever since the signature of the agreement. It is now consolidation of peace, justice and stability in our country.
We assure, once the institutions for transitional justice in R-ARCSS are established, the victims who have lost their love ones and/or property shall get redressed.
The SPLM-IO Chairman, Machar called on the people of South Sudan to undertake reconciliation and forgiveness.
“Today, 16th December, is the Day of Reconciliation worldwide. In this light, the SPLMfSPLA leadership calls upon our people to start the process of reconciliation among themselves so that they can live in peace and harmony as one people in one nation with one social contract that shall lead them to building a democratic, federal and prosperous state.
“Finally, let us all disseminate the agreement not only in the country but also in the POCs, refugee camps and diaspora so that our people can and protect this Agreement, It is therefore imperatiue that we all cooperate in its implementation May God rest in peace the souls of our heroes whose dear lives where taken in this noble qruggie for reform, peace, justice.”
On this day in 2013, political rivalries between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit his ex-deputy Dr. Riek Machar Teny escalated into an all-out conflict, pitting the Nuer against the Dinka ethnic group.
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