The Paradox of President’s 15 Days Consultations
4 min readBy John Adoor Deng, Australia
August 18, 2015 (SSB) — Many eyes and attention of the world were few hours ago tuned to the Ethiopian Capital, waiting for a possible good news of a signed Peace Agreement, stoppage of baseless war and a return to national normalcy, reconciliation, reconstruction and rejuvenation among other nouns. Although a considerable level was reached especially with two groups (former detainees and SPLM-IO) inking the agreement, the world was taken by surprise when President Kiir, a legally known father of the nation, refused to sign the agreement, arguing that he will do further consultations for 15 Days.
This article will attempt to unpack the paradox of SPLM-Juba‘s position on Peace Agreement, especially the notion of 15 days consultations. To bring this argument home, readers, allow me to, first of all, define what the word consultation mean and in what context is it usually uses. In the online Cambridge dictionary, consultation is defined as “the process of discussing something with someone to get their advice or opinion about it.” Hence, one can infer in this definition that consultation has much to do with incorporating people’s ideas and opinions on an issue being discussed. In other words, to consult, mean in effect that nothing is complete yet, but something is to be done. On the contrary and given the contextual meaning of consultation, few of us are left wondering why did President kiir call for a further consultations at this late hour, offcourse these questions pop into minds: what consultations is SPLM Juba going to do? Who will they consult within Juba? Consulting on what? And consulting to get what?
The rationale of these questions is guided by the belief that for the last 20 months, both parties to the conflicts have consulted heavily with their constituencies in numerous occasions. In fact, most of the inputs in recent talks have reflected views of the general public. For example, in the negotiations, the civil society, faith based groups and political parties have all been represented. Also, these entities have carried their distinctive consultations. In addition, President Kiir, before he left Juba for Ethiopia, consulted twice with political parties, governors, security forces, members of Political Bureau, NLC and all political heavyweights in the country including the Honourable David Yauyau of Pibor Administration.
Thus, the question of what consultations is SPLM Juba going to do becomes an interesting area to explore. A thorough consultation has already been done, and views of the people are clear, they need peace now! In Addis- SPLM-Juba has a vast team, who have done their best in negotiating peace for the country, why is their work neglected and overlooked?
Interestingly, many people don’t know including the author, where will SPLM-Juba incorporate news ideas and advice emerging from their post agreement consultations? What everyone knows is that the IGAD-Plus only wants Kiir to come back to ink the agreement perhaps alone, as both FD and SPLM-IO will have no use to attend. The benefit of 15 days consultations thus become an intentional waste of time and a possible germinating of a wrong impression into peace needy public in South Sudan.
Having analysed this and found no basis for further consultations. I, in the spirit of national building would respectfully ask my brothers and sisters on the SPLM-Juba to rethink their position. In an ideal world, Leaders take hard decisions to rescue descending nations. I am optimistic that you comrades in the SPLM-Juba are more than capable to swallow pride if some of the provisions in the agreement don’t sit well with you and give peace a humble chance to reign in our beloved country. The world has turned its focus on South Sudan expecting you to show leadership and courage beyond bitterness. Give an opportunity for the survival of our Children, Women, and Elderly under trees in the bushes of South Sudan by signing the agreement.
Come to senses and see the embarrassment that we South Sudanese around the global continue to face for mismanaging our affairs. We have become failed and fragile state, topping the world ranks. With peace signed today, South Sudan will jump ladders to become the top world’s wealthy country and a bread basket for Africa. I am sure, it is this thinking that inundated Nyandeng Garang during the signing in Addis, to break into tears for seeing the intentional refusal to give innocent people, peace and restoration of the lost image. Think Twice our leaders and bring peace home to our country.
The author is John Adoor Deng, Member of Civil Society Organisation in Australia. He can be reached by email: dengjohn780@gmail.com
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