By Awuol Gabriel Arok, Juba, South Sudan.
Thursday, January 31, 2019 (PW) — ‘‘When in Rome do as Romans do’’ this phrase had fallen on the blocked ears of some disgruntled groups and individuals who are still being spot around peeping through the narrow hole of disbelief on whether the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) shall holds.
Well, as the saying goes gives the devil its dues, those individuals on the praying mat of annihilation can clearly be linked to Biblical Thomas who questioned the resurrection of Jesus from his handy colleagues who as followers of Jesus witnessed many miracles before and even after the death of Jesus yet Thomas didn’t believe in what he was told.
When Jesus appeared to him, Thomas said to Jesus, My Lord and My God but Jesus thrown a cool towel of shame on his face, when he said because you have seen me, blessed are those who have not seen yet they believe.
South Sudanese prayers were partially heard when the Almighty God sent a young, energetic, thinker and actor in the person of Ethiopia Prime Minister Mr. Abiy Ahmed Ali who surprisingly brought together two rival brothers President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar in an occasion that many believed could not hold.
Through his creative initiative the giant leader came up with face to face dialogue, a rare political proposal that was bravely picked up by South Sudanese leaders.
The face to face talk was taken over by President Omar al-Bashir and led to Khartoum Peace Proposal which was finally signed on September 12, 2018 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
Thank to the parties that rectified the agreement, still within the golden blanket of humanity those parties and individuals who are not on-board for the implementation of the Agreement are requested to put on hold their self ego and let the peace prevail in our land.
31st October, 2018 raised hope in South Sudan just like the historical days of August 18, May 16, January 9 and July 9, the day was full of goodly wishes and prayers.
30th October, 2018 the exact day of the celebration which was later change by the organizers was fast wished by almost everyone in Juba City and across the nation.
The setting remit the hope for better tomorrow, Juba populace began gaiting in as early as 5:00 AM diverse age, gender and professions were all denoted.
People thronged in through security checks into the Freedom Square with wider smiles on their faces.
All was live and vivid, the entire mode reflected the nationhood, the R-ARCSS of September 2018 is different from any other agreement for reasons known; firstly people are tired of senseless war, secondly South Sudan as a nation has negatively been affected internationally, thirdly South Sudanese have massively suffered both in government controlled areas, Protection sites of civilians, in the bushes and refugees camps, all have taste the bitter leaves of starvation and suffering.
31st October 2018, Peace was celebrated under the Comprehensive Theme of “ Celebrating the Dawn of Peace, Appreciating Friends, Cherishing Reconciliation and Unity” the day was adorable, high representation was recorded, individuals, regional and international communities were represented, a shift that later put Kenya into hot pot with South Sudan leadership.
Almost every work of life was represented: Students, teachers, civil societies, health practitioners, scholars, traditional Leaders, politicians, musicians, press, NGOS and companies all struggled to secure a slot within the attendant.
Among the forefront for countries’ representation were President Omar al-Bashir of the Sudan, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, President Sahle Work Zewde of Ethiopia who marked her first official state visit to South Sudan, Zewde addressed the women and children as the ones most vulnerable to suffering, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mahamed of Somalia, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly of Egypt, Special Representative of the United Nation Secretary General Mr. David Shearer, Representative of AU Mr. Joram M. Biswaro who labeled the Peace Achievement as “Made in Africa”, Dr. Riek Machar Teny of SPLA/IO , Dr.Lam Akol of NDM, Gabriel Changson Chang representing SSOA/South Sudan Opposition Alliance, Deng Alor Kuol of FDs all were present and the speeches given were impressive.
Though some terms of the previous commitment and engagement such as Arusha SPLM unification are not fully met, the SPLM unification initiative that was mothered by Tanzania CCM, South Africa ANC, Uganda NRM and Egypt have dissolves the big pills of salts that were on the dining table.
Notable states and bodies such as Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia, South Africa, Egypt, AU, UN, EU, TROIKA, China, Japan and etcetera that stand with peace loving South Sudanese during the peace hunt must roll up their timely support .
Currently the Peace ball is under the custody of South Sudanese wherever they are and without hesitation all must come together and compel their national aspiration into reality.
Time has come for repentance, forgiveness and home loving.
R-ARCSS must be put into reality by anyone who wishes South Sudan to be a great country for all instead of a mournful nation as wished by those doubting the reality of R-ARCSS.
Awuol Gabriel Arok, a Writer and a Poet, has a Bachelor Degree in Social and Developmental Studies from the University of Juba, South Sudan, he is a Columnist with The Dawn Newspaper under column “The Motivation Bell”. He is the author of unpublished book titled ‘‘The Wisdom Horn’’ , he contributes to Websites and Social Media platforms on Issues concerning Social, Economic and Politic s and through his peaceful and developmental campaigns such as ‘‘Your Tribe is My Tribe’’, ‘‘Giving Heart Foundation’’, “Wisdom Testament”, “Classic Leadership Forum”, “Grace the Women Foundation”, “PeaceNet Initiative” and “Award for Development”. He can be reached via his email Address: jjmkamzeearokson@yahoo.com