"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing" By Konstantin Josef Jireček, a Czech historian, diplomat and slavist.
The swearing in ceremony of Gen. Taban Deng Ghai as the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan to replace Dr. Riek Machar Teny, photo by Maal Maker Thiong on July 26th, 2016, J-1, Juba, South Sudan
President Salva Kiir’s remarks during the swearing in ceremony of First Vice President Taban Deng Ghai, July 26, 2016
“Nobody chased Dr Riek Machar away. He left his chair alone. He illustrated that if you embrace a child who keeps on biting you, what do you do? You definitely throw that child away. Dr Riek wanted to kill me but he did not get the chance to do so. I gave him my bullet proof car and he ran away with it the same way he went to Nasir with my Land cruiser and declared the coup. I signed the agreement because it was imposed on me. He told Taban and his group to go out and tell the Chairperson that what you did is right for him to go and tell his colleagues in the region and the world. Dr Riek has been calling for intervention force to create a buffer zone, what for? There is a misconception that Juba is at war. If they come, we will consider that as an invading force. Let me assure all of you we did not intend to target anybody even those two Chinese killed. Behaviors of individuals should not be counted on the government. This is common all over the world. Let implement the agreement so that we don’t disappoint those already disappointed. I wish you Taban Good Luck.I will cooperate with you. Thank You.”
PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.