South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Aluong Maker Aluong.
The Leader of the African People’s Congress (APC), Deng-bil William Aguer, has accused an armed group and opposition parties of continuously violating the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, warning that such actions threaten the fragile stability of South Sudan.
In an interview with The Dawn on Thursday, he expressed his hope that after the signing of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflicts in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) would abandon armed struggle in favour of peaceful resistance.
“What we have learned from our neighbouring East African nations, Uganda and Kenya, speaks volumes. To be bold, peaceful struggles are always immensely beneficial to a country.”
He added that peaceful struggles are conducted during elections, where candidates campaign to win votes. “If you happen to lose, that is not the end; there is always another chance to win if you play your cards right.”
“As a matter of fact, losing an election doesn’t kill, displace, or destroy. It instead ignites a curiosity about winning the next election.”
He emphasised that when Dr. Machar agreed in 2018 to return to Juba without soldiers, it gave him hope and was indeed a positive sign if Machar had adhered to that agreement.
Aguer underscored that Dr. Machar initially made progress in 2021 by opening Sudan People’s Defence Force in Opposition (SPLM-IO) offices in the states and counties. However, he later contradicted himself by resorting to violence as a means of gaining power, which has deterred various elections scheduled for 2022, 2024, and 2026.
“The various clashes across South Sudan have been instigated by the SPLM-IO, with the recent clash on Monday being a prime example of the turmoil in this young nation,” Aguer stated.
The outspoken Chairman noted that Machar’s focus shifted when he realised that the President of the Republic, Salva Kiir, was unwilling to integrate his forces into the mainstream South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). Consequently, Machar built up the armed wing of SPLM-IO/SPLA-IO instead of developing his political party.
“Machar was seen bringing soldiers from Upper Nile to Greater Equatoria, especially around Juba, which resulted in many clashes, with the Nasir incident serving as the initial spark.”
He asserted that the APC believes Dr. Machar should have adhered to peaceful struggles. He could have identified determined and resilient political parties, formed alliances, and pushed for elections and the implementation of the peace agreement, including the new constitution, population census, and stabilising the security situation in the country.
Aguer reiterated that the reliance on armed activities as a viable means of gaining power often leads to responses from other parties.
“This results in escalations of violence, chaos, and ultimately displacement. We hold the SPLM-IO accountable for the Nasir massacre, the clashes in Mathiang-Longechuk County of Upper Nile, and many other assaults.”
“How can you even fight when we are confined? This armed struggle does not bring peace or the benefits that follow it, and because of this, we must put an end to it,” Aguer declared.
He emphasised that if Dr. Machar does not resort to peaceful means, the postponement of elections will continue to be the norm, and no one will achieve the power they desire. Our communities will also suffer since violence is always associated with destruction.
He concluded by stating that if the SPLM-IO and other parties engaged in armed struggle abandon violence and turn to peaceful means, the peace that will benefit the entire nation can be realised.
