South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), Ter Manyang Gatwech, has called on the African Union (AU) peace and security delegation to demand the release of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, along with other detained leaders. He stressed that their freedom is crucial for resuming meaningful peace negotiations.
“The African Union has jurisdiction over its member states, particularly regarding peace and security. The current peace agreement is violated daily, which is not in the country’s interest; therefore, they need to hold the leaders accountable,” Gatwech stated in an interview on Sunday.
He urged the visiting AU peace and security delegation to advocate for peace in South Sudan.
“Our leaders do not prioritise the stability of this country. They need to return to the negotiating table. Conflicts are a part of life in any country, but the resolution of conflict should come through dialogue, mediation, and negotiations. This is how conflicts are resolved,” he explained.
Gatwech reiterated his call for the AU delegation to push for the release of Riek Machar Teny and other detained security and political leaders.
“The African Union peace and security delegation must demand the release of the First Vice President so that he can return to the negotiating table. We also call for the release of other detained leaders in the country,” Gatwech added.
He expressed concern over the ongoing displacement caused by conflict, including the border dispute in Kajo-Keji County of Central Equatoria State between the Uganda People’s Defence Force and the South Sudan People’s Defence Force.
“I believe the AU has the mandate to protect its members, including South Sudan, in terms of peace. The leaders are not acting responsibly; they lack tolerance and understanding,” Gatwech remarked.
“The peace agreement is collapsing. You cannot discuss a peace agreement while simultaneously removing people from their positions; citizens will lose trust in you. People need to come to the table and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences,” he concluded.
