Jieng Council of Elders (JCE): We Applaud the National Dialogue Committee for Diagnosing ‘State and Leadership Failure’ in South Sudan

Dinka chiefs press conference in Juba

By Dr. Aldo Ajou Deng-Akuey

I listened very carefully of what the chiefs delivered to the press in their condemnation of the JCE’s press released recently (check Above). I think those chiefs that spoke to the press should seek berval translator since they are handicapped in writing or reading. It is quite clear that they are completely irrelevant on the subject matter of JCE’s press release.

In a nutshell, we narrated what we did during the “senseless war” of 2013-2018. We supported the then elected SPLM’s government under President Salva Kiir Mayardit against huge SPLM’s rebellious leaders. We defended the Government until September 2018, following the R-ARCSS and formation of R-TGoNU in February 2020. The R-TGoNU replaced the SPLM Government. This arrangement is intended to stop the “senseless war” once and all time to come.

The JCE says its time to reverse its position stance from war to peace in order to avoid being accused as rejectionists against the R-ARCSS. We have just decided to join South Sudanese in backing peaceful resolution of the conflict and its implementation process. To do this, we must avoid ackiecience over the slow implementation of the deal. This is our main concern.

Another concern is of our leaders, specially President Salva Kiir and First President Riek Machar, who are not seen to be working together or truly honestly committed to R-ARCSS in good faith. Right now Dr. Riek position as “…In Opposition.” They take Presiden Kiir as “…In Government.” This must be corrected to read: “the Transitional Government of National Unity.” Our fear is that, peace might slip away and collapse, forcing the country to go back to another war.

Chiefs accused the JCE to have said that Kiir and Riek should not contest elections after the transition. We are not lay persons my friends, to think or say such a thing. Some of us know better how democracy operates. And so if this is why chiefs are fighting us, the JCE’s press release or the National Dialogue’s recommendations and resolutions, do not contain the words: “Kiir and Riek should not contest next elections.” This statement is only contained in the people’s consultations’ archives and the covering letter of the National Dialogue’s secretariat addressed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

We are asking the press to contact us for clarification and to enlighten these emotional Dinka chiefs in Juba.

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PaanLuel Wël

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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.

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