The Homecoming of the FDs (SPLM Leaders)
By Pal Chol, Juba, South Sudan
December 1, 2015 (SSB) — On the 27th instant, the former political detainees landed safely in Juba International airport abroad the Kenyan airways after two years and three months in forced exile. They came along with the widow of the Late Founding Father Dr John Garang (RIP) to attend the launching of the JMEC office.
On arrival, Molana John Luk went off air that ” we have finally come back home”. Their Leader Pagan Amum did not come. They were welcome with tears of joy and ululations by jubilant and fervent supporters holding placards. In his inaugural speech, the Chair of JMEC, Hon Festus G Mogae, who has officially assumed office, appealed to all the warring parties and the stakeholders to collaborate with him in implementing the agreement in letter and spirit.
He said it is a collective responsibility as this office is launched today. With the IO team coming this week. It is a true signal that the war is about to or is indeed ending. The parties seem to be committed and determined to implement the agreement so that peace is prevalent. I called up on the doubting Thomases to believe that peace has come for certain.
The President of the Republic, himself a devout Catholic, swore in his 15-minute encounter with the Pontiff in Kampala, Uganda that he would, with unreserved commitment unite the South Sudanese, restore peace and stability. Was it from the bottom of his heart? Let us give him an ample time to see the veracity of his promise because this is a moment of truth. The Holy Father’s message was short and to the point.
Peace and reconciliation full stop. Despite all the progresses in sight, the 28th instant Sunday services in the Emmanuel Jieng Church witnessed ungodly scuffle meted on Mama Rebecca Garang by another female believer who might have a bone, based on a convincing reason or not, to pick up with or an old scores to settle with her. It was a very unfortunate incident befalling a guest in the place of worship.
Thank God Mama Rebecca was unhurt. It reportedly happened when the presiding Pastor, overwhelmed by the devil, held her by the hand with others to pray for them about their return. The disaffected woman, in a flagrant breaking of the biggest commandment which says love your enemies as yourself, said Mama Nyandeng with her team are the causes of the destructive conflict in South Sudan which made many more refugees and others internally displaced.
Why should they be blessed? I guess the pastoral faith which would have deterred and overcome the incidence spiritually was overpowered by the satanic power. The Satan then sneaked in and had the chance to take control of the Church. It was uncalled for and should have not happened in the Church of Christ with unshakable and strong faith. South Sudanese need to rekindle their faith in God and honestly ask for forgiveness which will then pave the way for reconciliation.
It is a wake up -call for the members of the G10 to apologise to the people of South Sudan to seek for forgiveness. The warring parties should not scratch the old wounds but be tactful in their interactions. The SPLM secretariat has already been formed by a decree which is a fait accompli and irreversible. Although it is ethnically dominated, the G-10 should let the sleeping dogs lie.
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