Prioritise peace implementation over election – gov’t told
A civil society activist has questioned the decision taken by the government to hold elections in 2023 amid outstanding tasks of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Guot Gabriel Manyang, Chairman of Greater Upper Nile Concerned Youth for Peace and Stability (GUNCY-PAS) said the government should not focus on elections because the most vital institutions have not been established.
Manyang said if the leaders want to appeal for funding, then let them show some levels of commitment by implementing the Peace Agreement.
“Let them quickly graduate the unified forces and swear in the state assembly members, set up the hybrid court and reconstitute the national commissions, that includes, the electoral commission and the census body,” he stressed.
South Sudanese politicians have under several occasions raised concerns on the lack of resources to facilitate the implementation of the remaining tasks.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mayiik Ayii Deng, is on record of saying the international community had not been funding the implementation of the peace agreement since its inception.
Mayiik stated that the country was struggling on its own to raise funds for the implementation of the peace agreement.
Last month, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro urged the citizens to make contributions toward the peace deal implementation.
During a talk show on Radio Miraya, Dr. Lomuro called on the South Sudanese to help the government by funding the peace implementation process as the transitional period is due to end early next year.
“There is no any sign showing there is implementation and by saying what is impeding the implementation of the agreement is the lack of funding is inaccurate and not necessary because the parties do not show commitment and political will,” he said.
However, Manyang criticized the government for calling on the citizens for support in terms of funding for the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement saying the leaders are simply” trying to fool the people of South Sudan.”
