Africa-Press – South-Sudan. A civil society activist has called on President Salva Kiir to initiate an inclusive dialogue to address the country’s deepening political and military crisis.
In a statement to Eye Radio, Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), warned that the continued emergence of new armed opposition groups poses a serious threat to the country’s stability.
He noted that without a formal, inclusive forum for discussion, South Sudan risks fragmenting into regional pockets controlled by different armed forces—a scenario that would make future peace negotiations nearly impossible.
Yakani emphasized that the recent declarations of new movements by former high-ranking officials—such as former Ambassador General Wilson Deng Wek and former Presidential Affairs Minister Nhial Deng Nhial—are clear signals that an inclusive dialogue is urgent.
“Our early warning system is indicating chances of the country breaking down into pockets of armed groups,” Yakani stated. “That is why we have multiple times called for a South Sudanese-to-South Sudanese dialogue. Unfortunately, we are often undermined or threatened whenever we call for inclusive engagement.”
The activist expressed concern that many within the political system still prefer military solutions to political problems. He argued that force only increases public discontent and hardens the pathway toward peace.
“Having more armed revolutions in the country is disturbing and painful,” Yakani said, referencing the history of struggle for South Sudan’s independence. “If we remember the blood of those we lost in the bush, it is unfortunate that we still continue using the barrel of the gun to resolve political crises.”
Yakani appealed directly to President Kiir to declare a concrete dialogue focused on finding a national consensus. He urged the leadership to “regain the national spirit” that defined the struggle for independence to build a stable nation.
His call comes amid reports of rising military clashes in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Western Bahr el Ghazal earlier this year, adding to the urgency of his plea for a non-violent resolution to the current stalemate.
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
