Africa-Press – South-Sudan. When a group of protesters assembled in front of Freedom Hall in Juba to make their voices known about the situation in Leer County to the legislators who were receiving the permanent constitution-making bill yesterday, two things stood out. Firstly, it was evident that the concerned citizens, particularly those from Unity State, were desperate for answers to put the clashes to bed. Secondly, it was also evident that the area leadership needed to heed the call to action to address the situation and prevent further bloodbaths.
One of the protesters identified as Ruth Nyaleel Kai was very vocal as her words painted the emotional picture least communicated by a number of victims currently suffering in silence.
“We are here to ask if we are not part of South Sudan. Are we not supposed to also deserve the peace people are talking about? If we people of Unity State or Leer County are not part of this country, then we should be told where we should be sent to, “Nyaleel pleaded.
“We are here today to say we need leaders who are here to bring peace, not leaders who are coming to kill us. The bloodshed in Unity State is enough. The bloodshed in Leer County is enough. We are calling for the President to relieve the governor of Unity State of his position. He really wants peace and the citizens of this country. “
Social media has been awash with gory pictures reportedly taken from Unity State. The authenticity of these images could be in serious doubt because when it comes to social media, anyone can decide to download a picture and fan emotions. However, with widespread complaints particularly by residents from the affected state, it is prudent to make steps to save the situation before it escalates even further.
There have been fingers pointed at the local leaders. For the critics, the area leaders have not done enough to ensure calm returns and residents displaced from the houses retreat to their homes. It has all been a trail of destruction and death, with scenes of burning houses littering the media. Unfortunately, no assuring word has come forth to urge for calm and restore peace between the clashing factions.
As it is now, there is a need for leadership to ensure normal returns. Area leaders must look at themselves in the mirror and ask tough questions about whether they are really serving the interests of the people. They are entrusted with the security of maintaining law and order, and in the event that there is a breach of some sort; the end result is a blatant failure on duty. Manytuil, can borrow a leaf from his Lakes State counterpart, Rin Tueny Mabor, especially in handling the armed violence that is rocking his area of jurisdiction. Some initiatives need local efforts, and not a communication from the office of President Salva Kiir Mayardit to be effective. Although the president is the overall authority, not all problems need his input—the area leaders need to be proactive and prevent security breaches.
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