At an International Peace Day celebration in Juba, South Sudan’s cultural diversity was on exhibit, but what caught people’s attention most was the shared yearning for peace, democracy, and a better future.
“In a peaceful environment, I can attend school and live without the stress of losing my family members. That is the silver lining in the calm I am currently experiencing, despite the fact that nothing is perfect. Everlyne Batista, a performer from South Sudan, stated, “I want peace in South Sudan.”
Talks were dominated by politics, especially the decision by the nation’s leaders to postpone elections and prolong the government’s transitional period.
Since it takes millions of dollars to bring about peace, we are not in pain. We are suffering because we need political leaders to order the violence to stop. One South Sudanese Pound [SSP] is not required for that. Millions of dollars will not be able to purchase peace. Why are they spending millions of dollars to buy bullets and guns? Why can we not spend millions of dollars on ensuring the peace agreement is delivered?” said Edmund Yakani, from the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization.
In spite of substantial financial and other international support, peace partners expressed their dissatisfaction with the most recent delay, citing their refusal to back a resolution at a recent meeting with political leaders.
It was an expression of annoyance and a warning that things cannot continue as usual. A transition cannot last forever, so in order to maintain peace, we must see South Sudan move forward with its democratization, transition, and listening to its citizens as it drafts a permanent constitution. The European Union Ambassador Timo Olkkonen stated, “It is a matter of nation-building and the social contract.
Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the first vice president, gave numerous justifications for the extension, such as the need to resolve intercommunal conflict, decide on a permanent constitution, enable the return of millions of South Sudanese refugees, and unify security forces.
It is not because I am in charge. This is accurate. The election of South Sudan’s leaders in a setting that allows them to exercise their rights is something that many of us would like to see happen. Because we are familiar with our people, we will ultimately be held accountable if we force them into an unfavorable election, Riek Machar stated.
The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative emphasized both the opportunities and the risks brought about by the extension.
“While this indicates that the nation’s citizens must once more exercise patience in waiting for the long-awaited standards of democracy and peace, this development also acknowledges the possibility of rekindled conflict and the political void brought on by the absence of election preparations. On the other hand, it also presents new opportunities for nation-building, and we acknowledge that there is still a long way to go. Urgency is required. Not a pause,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
ambitions, He stressed that peace can only be secured and sustained when South Sudan’s leaders put the interests of their people first and demonstrate a common purpose, shared aspirations, and political will.
