South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

By Awan Achiek
A prominent South Sudanese civil society activist on Thursday called for inclusive political dialogue among leaders to address their differences.
This appeal followed President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision on Wednesday to dismiss key allies of Riek Machar, including Deng Deng, Speaker of the Council of States; Oyet Nathaniel, First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly; and Farouk Gatkuoth, Chief Whip of the SPLM-IO.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment Progress Organization (CEPO), emphasised the importance of leaders prioritising dialogue to prevent a return to civil war.
“I urge inclusive political dialogue among our leaders, as resolving their political differences does not seem to be taken seriously by our political leaders,” Yakani stated to the media on Thursday.
He further encouraged political leaders to embrace peace in order to transition the country from violence to stability.
“The decision to revoke certain SPLM-IO seats, which include leaders identified as being in conflict with the law, is concerning, especially as some of them remain actively engaged in government,” he commented.
Yakani also urged political parties to address their disagreements constructively to pave the way for peace.
“Political disagreement should not be wielded as a weapon to undermine the growth of democracy and the transition from violence to peace,” he asserted.
He implored political leaders to make decisions that do not incite violence, in order to prevent a relapse into armed conflict.
“We know that multiple leaders have promised us that the country will not revert to violence, and we are appealing to them to honour those commitments. Please, walk the talk,” he urged.
“We have observed the actions taken yesterday regarding certain MPs; we are aware that these MPs are not currently in the country and are engaged in political confrontation with the incumbent government.”