Further Delay in the Formation of Government of National Unity is Worrying

The completion of the formation of a government of national unity according to the peace agreement is very much slow and the delay in completing it on time has a lot of repercussions. One is that people are not psychologically comfortable because their government is not complete and many things are still hanging. Number two is that the services that the country is supposed to provide to its citizens are currently not moving, for example, the humanitarian situations of people in many areas are quite deplorable and this is aggravated by the rains during the rainy seasons, roads are impassable and most essential commodities are not able to reach many citizens in many parts of the country.

 At the same time, the rate of crime is very high in the country while in different places, there is sporadic violence which often leads to loss of life and property as well as causing fear among the populace. At the same time, the refugees who have left the country desperate as their lives are full of uncertainties. Donors are getting tired of taking care of refugees in the settlements outside the country as well as those in the displacement camps here at home. The situation has been aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic and we are talking about over two million people living as refugees outside the country as well as those living at the protection of civilian camps within the country.

 I am therefore urging the government to spread up the process of formation of a government of national unity and among this is to finish the reorganization of the army which is very crucial. We cannot continue having a country with so many commanders-in-chief which is what the country currently has. There are so many men armed in different places and this is very dangerous and scary. And the cantonment where the different soldiers have been taken, I urged that the work should be done fast and help build up a national united army for the Republic of South Sudan. It will be the pride of the nation like all other countries to have a national army who are working in unity for the protection of the nation and all the people of the Republic of South Sudan.

 I conclude any requesting the IGAD, AU as well as other regional governments that have been charged to help South Sudan come out of these difficulties that they should quickly help to alleviate the suffering of the people in this country by encouraging the president and the parties involved to hasten the process of the implementation of the peace agreement.  As for the international community, I implore you not to get tired and give up on the people of South Sudan owing to the slowness of the program but I encourage you to hold on and to walk with South Sudan throughout this process.

 It is a prerequisite for any government to worry about the welfare of its people therefore the suffering and the poverty we are currently living in just because of the conflict and lack of agreement in the formation of government is not proper.

 One final appeal I am making is that now there are so many political parties and oppositions in the country, I am therefore urging for unity; Let the parties involved look at the bigger picture of the country, put their differences aside and embrace working together for the welfare of sons and daughters of South Sudan. The aim and objective of our country should be the parameters that would help in building the peace that we need.

 For Christians, we need to continue praying for the right things to happen. For the cure of coronavirus to be found and while at it, let us continue keeping the guidelines that have been put in place to help us fight the spread of this pandemic.

 Thank you

 Rt. Rev. Barani Edwardo Hiiboro Kussala,

Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio