President Salva Kiir has been urged to release Dr. Riek Machar and other political detainees and resume dialogue to revive the stalled peace process as a 14th Independence Day gift.
In a statement shared with Mingkaman 100 FM Newsroom, Bol Deng Bol, chairperson of the Jonglei State Civil Society Network said that releasing political detainees would be the best gift to celebrate South Sudan’s 14th Independence Day.
"The right thing to do today, Office of the President -
Republic of South Sudan besides celebrating our FLAG and delivering reminiscent
speeches, is to RELEASE the political prisoners, including Vice President Dr.
Riek Machar," Bol said.
He emphasized that such a gesture would help move forward
the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the
Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“Undo the backbreaking lack of political will in order to
implement the R-ARCSS through talk-walking,” he urged.
“Otherwise, like many other South Sudanese, I am only
jubilant today at the 14th commemoration of our motherland's independence
because our fathers and forefathers didn't sacrifice their lives in vain.”
Dr. Riek Machar has been under house arrest since March
after violent clashes in Nasir resulted in the death of General David Majur Dak
and several other soldiers.
His detention has raised fears about a potential collapse of
the peace agreement and a possible return to armed conflict. Despite calls from
regional and international groups for his release, the government has not yet
taken action.
The United Nations family has also issued a statement on the
14th anniversary of South Sudan's Independence, calling on the country’s
political leaders to settle their differences and work toward peace and
development.
“This year’s Independence Day offers South Sudan’s leaders a
renewed opportunity to prioritize the rights, dignity and safety of every
citizen by returning to consensus-based decision-making, amid significant
challenges,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special
Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, on Tuesday.
As South Sudan marks 14 years of independence, many citizens
have expressed frustration over ongoing insecurity and poor public services,
especially in remote villages. These conditions have forced many to flee to
urban areas or seek refuge in camps across East Africa.