SOUTH SUDAN: While Postponing Formation of Coalition Government Was Necessary, Bishop Hiiboro Asks Government to Utilize well The 100 Days
According to the immediate former President of Sudan and South Sudan Bishops Conference (SSSBC) Rt. Rev. Edward Hiiboro Kussala the last days of the month of October and the early days on the month of November 2019 have been very tense for South Sudan. The reason being that South Sudan government was set to fulfil a recommendation of the revitalised peace agreement, which was to form a government of national unity (GNU) by November 12.
“It was evident that both parties that is the government and the opposition were not ready for the formation of Government of Nation Unity. The government and the opposition were not very much organized to have it done and so we were hearing contradicting voices and these brought a lot of fear and tension among citizens,” Bishop Hiiboro.
“Eventually, prayers of the people and pieces of advice from concerned groups and those closeness to the leadership of South Sudan enabled our leaders to make the wisest decision, which was to postpone the formation of government of national unity,” he added.
“The decision to postpone and add another 100 days; I call it 100 days of grace, 100 days of understanding, 100 days of work, 100 days of greater obligation for from our leaders for the safety, dignity and peace for the people of South Sudan,” he went on.
Also the Bishop of Tombura Yambio, Bishop Edwardo said that they approve and bless this 100 days’ extension but also had to caution the government.
“I add my voice to all those who have asked the government to be serious in using these 100 days. Actually it is no more 100 now as we speak as some days are already gone, meaning that every single day counts and any day lost cannot be retrieved,” he pointed out.
“Those who were tasked with the the plan to be implemented during these 100 days need to be very much alert. We want to understand what they are doing, the resources needed in order to get things done and the atmosphere and the system required to.”
Bishop Hiiboro recommended that the public be updated regularly on the progress of the 100 days. He said that a report of what is happening within these 100 days needs to be published periodically so that the public is aware of how thing are going.
“If the postponement is meant to bring true peace in the country, let it be. if delaying formation of government of national unity would bring this country into a total peace, let it be. But then, we need to pull up our socks in order to get things done.”
Bishop Hiiboro further said that accountability of the resources meant for the implementation of the peace agreement needs to be taken into considerations.
“It appears that the money that has been allocated for the implementation of the peace agreement has not been used properly. There are allegations that part of the money has been released but there is no accountability made publically about how it has been used. So for these 100 days’ period to succeed, the use of the funds must be transparent,” Bishop Hiiboro pointed out.
Another contentious issue that has been threatening the country’s peace is the number of States in South Sudan. According to the Bishop, this is not a big deal because the states were decreed by the president and he has power to make any changes according to what he feels is best for the people of South Sudan.
Finally, Bishop Hiiboro called upon friends of South Sudan, as well as the Regional and the International communities to continue journeying and supporting South Sudan.
“Please don’t sit back and watch, please walk with us, we need you now more than ever. Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Congo and even Central Africa Republic, please pay attention to what is going on in South Sudan to ensure that these 100 days are well utilized and well implemented.”
By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
