South Sudan gov’t should walk out from IGAD-Plus mediation
By Mapuor Malual Manguen, Rumbek, Lakes State
August 1, 2015 (SSB) —- After coming across this piece, some readers may wonder why this author has not been writing any story since January this year. The answer is simple: I gave writing a halt. But the content of the so-called IGAD-plus compromise peace proposal to end ongoing civil war in South Sudan broke my silence today.
The proposal to demilitarize Juba, the capital city and seat of govt of South Sudan, and intention to reward rebels with power and control of oil-rich Upper Nile region is not only a mockery to people of South Sudan and govt, but also an insult to element of democracy where power can be transfer through free and fair election. Besides, the proposal indirectly demeans sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country.
This question was manifested this week when Obama, Uhuru Kenyatta, Ghandour, Museveni and Desalegn sat down alone in Addis Ababa to discuss South Sudan internal issues without inviting its participation. This behavior was a diplomatic slap to South Sudan and willfully done to embarrass President Kiir.
As if this insult was not enough, IGAD-plus compromise peace proposal intends to legalize two armies in South Sudan with rebel army to be stationed in Upper Nile region.
Besides their own military, the political leadership of that region will be handed over to rebels. In theory, Upper Nile region becomes semi-autonomy although IGAD-plus avoided mentioning that word in their text.
IGAD-plus is not honest in their mediation; they have hidden agenda. And that hidden agenda is to split Upper Nile region from the rest of South Sudan. That is why IGAD-plus proposal is pushing for rebel’s own army in that region.
Apparently this army will be equipped by their sponsors (Troika and their likes) to defend their interest and that is why I may call this IGAD-plus peace proposal as “time bomb”.
If this proposal was signed as it is, South Sudanese will have signed a time bomb rather than sustainable peace agreement that originated from somewhere and pushed down to their throats.
Moreover, demilitarization of Juba would amount to an abdication of responsibility by the President of the republic to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity of this county.
Since it is clear now that IGAD or IGAD-plus if you like is wielding hidden agenda against South Sudanese and their country, the government should adopt tougher decisions. The government should walkout from that good for nothing IGAD-plus peace process and look for other alternatives to bring just and sustainable peace in the country.
If this decision attracts sanction from Obama administration and its stooges, so be it for sanction is better than signing a bad peace agreement that will disintegrate the country on tribal or regional basis.
If any country replaces SPLA and South Sudan Police in Juba with foreign army, this will be considered an outright invasion and the nationalists are ready to give up their blood in defend of this country.
Whether Riek rebel group or Gov’t of South Sudan that would dare signing agreement that lead to break the country or give up territorial parts of this country, that party is equally number one enemy of South Sudan and nationalists are upped to say no.
The author lives in Rumbek, Lakes State. He can be reached at mapuormanguen85@gmail.com
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