Why Kiir and Riek Must Continue to Turn the Table in South Sudan
By Garang Ater, Juba, South Sudan
Tuesday, August 24, 2021 (PW) — President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is the executive head of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGONU), and his First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, and the rest who were signatories to the R-ARCSS must be given an ample timeframe to continue as partners for peace until the time set by the agreement elapse.
First and foremost, as one of the patriotic South Sudanese citizens, I am so disturbed about the ongoing psychological media war embarked on by the so-called People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) as a backdrop to the R- ARCSS ultimately.
Absolutely, in this critical South Sudanese soul searching for lasting peace and stability, we need not entertain anything that will derail the little process of giving peace a chance in the country.
Together, in popular consultative peaceful manners, we can push this slow huge government ever in the sphere of world politics to do U-turns from chaos to peaceful ends.
President Salva Kiir and First Vice president Dr. Riek Machar as principals in the agreement lumped together with the RGTONU, and we should have to respect their period until time questioning them.
Those who support or call for their removal before the transitional period agreed, according to R-ARCSS, to play with fire.
The R-ARCSS is a dangerous and powerful element in South Sudanese today’s politics that is to be dealt with cautiously.
Anyone who tries to play with R-ARCSS or take it lightly is to be burnt or injured by its intensity; let us be intellectuals with reasoning wisdom of all times.
Similarly, in this agreement, leaders too must take proper precautions when tackle dangerous situations enforced by this new peace element in our politics.
As South Sudanese citizens, we must be aware of our weaknesses and never try to be overconfident when outside forces encourage us to do so.
And never underestimate the strength of those in power; they can even use the situation you call for to exploit it for their power longer stay in this huge and painful government ever.
Therefore, we must work together with them as the agreed timeframe is almost fading, then creating a fertile ground for our enemies to intervene.
Albeit, I am aware of the dire situation our people, common South Sudanese people, are facing, but with determination and hope, we will overcome.
Let me just give you a little story about those people who never pay attention to the advice of elders or their intellectual peers.
Once there was a frog that always fancied itself to be a great singer and troubled everyone with his loud singing.
No amount of advice from his fellow species would deter him from this activity, leading to him making more enemies than friends.
His friends often wanted him that he would find himself in great trouble because of his arrogant attitude.
The frog was foolish enough to think that he could get away with his mischief and would often proudly say. “I can jump into the pond and disappear instantly and escape from my enemies. So I will not stop singing.”
There was an old owl living on a tree near the pond, which was not keeping good health. Owls normally hunt during the night for food and sleep all day long. The frog’s singing disturbed the owl so much that he could not sleep and was very irritated.
The owl requested, then pleaded and even begged the frog to keep quiet and allow him to sleep. But the frog rudely said. “I will do as I please.” and sang even more loudly.
Just then, the owl saw a vulture hovering over the tree. The loud croaking seemed to have alerted the vulture of the frog’s presence.
The owl called out to the frog. “Dear friend… you better watch out! There is a vulture ready to swoop down on you. You better get back to the safety of your pond.”
The obstinate frog thought that the owl was trying to stop it from singing and said, “Don’t think you can fool me by saying all this. I shall not believe you.” As the frog continued singing with his eyes closed, the vulture swooped down and grabbed the frog, and flew high up into the sky.
It is always better to listen to those who are more experienced than us.
The frog did not realize the danger that was in store for it despite being warned by the owl and paid the price for it.
The story clearly tells us that we must exercise caution while tackling dangerous situations.
All in all, South Sudanese, both in opposition and government, must be mindful of our common enemies as a country, especially those with imperialists and colonialists tendency that is not happy when South Sudan progress without them in the making.
Lastly, mass disobedience and political upheaval will not solve our issues at hand but add more destruction and mayhems.
Let’s be friends with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar and push them hard with reasonable ideas and impeccable approaches within their respective offices and party institutions.
Proudly together for lasting peace.
The author, Garang Ater, is reachable via his email: Garang Ater – atergarang452@gmail.com
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