Contain your appetite for power, freedom icon tells leaders
A veteran Anyanya and SPLM/A freedom fighter, Marcelo Lojubal Lomukunyo, has appealed to the politicians in the country to desist from power struggles and strive for unity.
This came after the Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, paid him a visit in Kapoeta.
“The renowned retired chief in the area called on South Sudanese politicians to desist from power struggles, but to unite, and serve the people selflessly,” read the statement from the office of the governor.
He called upon the government to cease power to curb criminal acts and serve the interests of the nation and its people.
“Chief Lokubal encourages the government to take the absolute monopoly of power to deter people from engaging in criminal activities,” the statement continued.
The veteran freedom fighter urged the youth to shun conflict, embrace unity, and champion developmental strategies across the country.
“During our time, the youth were the custodians of the rule of law in the society. There were no crimes like the ones I hear taking place these days. What has gone wrong with our people?” Marcelo stated.
He further urged the citizens living in Eastern Equatoria State to support Governor Lobong in order to help the state by taking the lead in development.
Governor Lobong lauded the retired chief for his contribution to the liberation struggle, adding that he would tirelessly support veterans materially and emotionally as a token for their contribution to the struggle for independence.
Report
His sentiments come after a report was released by the London-based law firm, under the authorship of Steven Kay, titled, “Pushing the Reset Button for South Sudan” indicating that the alleged coups and wars of 2013 and 2016, were as a result of a power struggle between the First Vice President and President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
It indicated that Dr Machar after his removal started criticising and campaigning to take over power in the 2015 presidential race.
“South Sudan became an independent state in 2011. It did not take long before tensions between Vice President Riek Machar and President Kiir rose, driven largely by Riek Machar’s desire to become the next President of South Sudan and his vocal criticism of President Kiir,” the report indicated.
The report claimed Dr Machar had been organising forces so as to rebel or overthrow the government.
“Throughout 2013, Riek Machar was planning and organizing his forces in the regions in preparation for a rebellion. This mobilization is why within 48 hours of the outbreak of fighting on December 15, 2013, Riek Machar was coordinating and mobilising troops from Unity State in a bid to overthrow the government of South Sudan,” the report continued.
It further claimed the statements issued by UNMISS and AUCISS, were biased and could not reveal what occurred in 2013, and 2016, in South Sudan.
“The question must be posed as to why the international community, particularly UNMISS and AUCISS, chose to disregard President Salva Kiir’s allegations of a coup attempt? The issuance of critical press releases condemning both parties “reveals a bias and misreading of what has taken place in South Sudan,” the statement continued.
In response to this report, the Deputy Chairman of the SPLM/A-IO, who doubles as the Speaker of the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (R-TNLA), Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, on Wednesday last week, claimed the report was concocted, baseless, and unfounded, adding that it was one-sided and the Hybrid Court should be established to jump-start the investigation, which he claimed would be more transparent.
He further complained that the publication of personal information without the consent of the people whose names were released was a breach of their privacy rights, and freedoms.
