My Take on the Press Statement by Dr. Riek and others
By James Akot,
I was taken aback when I read the press statement released on Friday as I was expecting something substantive. Not to dismiss the points on the press statement, but it seems a bit trivial and not up to par, given the hype that preceded it. I was expecting ideas that were bigger than personalities. They should have laid out a vision that is different from the current path the country is headed. Since they had been part and parcel of this government and Party, the burden would be upon them to make a case that is more noble and compelling than the usual politics. But this makes it seems like disgruntled politicians with an axe to grind. Having said that, I do believe they have all the right to hold the press conference and express their displeasure with the system. The President and his team has been giving his opposition enough ammunition lately with the below than average performance that had marked the regime since the country first gained autonomy in 2005 as a region.
A point could be made that they didn’t want to dessert the Party, and thus, they seek amendments and dialogue with the President. But you don’t ask for a dialogue by giving ultimatums. Given the shaky state of politics in South Sudan, ultimatums automatically eliminates avenues for dialogue. It would be some sort of a miracle if the President adheres to this press statement, having seen the course of events this past year. The party leaders seem to be headed for a collision, and this could be the straw that breaks the camels’ back. I must add though that all hope is not lost yet. The president could redeem this situation by throwing the ball back to their court without unleashing any actions that could be deemed as retaliation. In a more mature political environment, this shouldn’t be a big deal. But alas, this is South Sudan.
I am not a politician nor an expert, but if I were one of the leaders, this is what I would have said:
We, the members of the SPLM Political Bureau, National Liberation Council and SPLM leaders have called this press conference to enlighten our people on the internal crisis that has engulfed the SPLM leadership and paralyzed its functions in the government and in our society:-
* We apologize to the people of South Sudan for our part in the management of the country and the direction its been heading for the last eight years. We owe it to the people of this great nation to rectify the serious mistakes that occurred during our watch and under the current leadership.
* We had failed to establish a constitutional republic that is based on the rule of law; and where the affairs of the state are public, and the rights of all are guaranteed.
We will exhaust every avenue and leave no stone unturned to setup and set checks and balances to the three branches of government, the Legislature, the Judiciary and the Executive.
* We will diligently pursue means and ways to deal with the violence that had engulfed our communities once and for all. We will make sure services will be delivered to the remote communities in keep with the vision of bringing the city to the rural areas. Education and employment will be a priority specifically in areas where the youth are manipulated into carrying arms and cattle rustling as a way of life. Opening up economic opportunities will dissuade our youth from violence and encourage positive economic activities.
* We will establish a National Jobs Corporation to train and equip the youth in various technical and mechanical expertise and start the national Highway project to link up the ten states. A project that will enhance commerce and trade and will bring much needed tax revenues to the local State governments.
* Finally, we will ensure our internal house is in order. We will pass our Party’s’ constitution that seeks and promotes the principals of democracy. A Party that will win the support of the people as we once did during the liberation war.
As stated above, I’m not an expert in politics, but I would have released something along those lines. And then perhaps add some other items addressing different issues. But the bottom line is to accept the responsibility having been part of the government and the party in high level positions. It will give them more credibility and authority to become trail blazers towards a new vision, or the least, reinvigorate the old vision. And forget about the trivial issue about “Garang’s Boys” or any other personality related issues.
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