Kiir calls for peaceful presidential contestation

JUBA – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a call to interested individuals to peacefully contest for the presidency, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and peaceful means in achieving the country’s social and economic recovery.

Speaking during the 7^th Governors’ Forum in Juba on Tuesday, Kiir urged the parties involved in the peace process to collaborate effectively in its implementation, underscoring that this is the only viable path towards building a robust foundation for a politically stable, inclusive, and democratic South Sudan.

The president stressed that this cooperation is essential for fostering social and economic recovery and prosperity for the nation’s citizens.

“I strongly encourage all parties to the agreement to maintain their cooperation in implementing this agreement, as it is the only sure way to establish a solid foundation for a politically stable, inclusive, and democratic South Sudan,” Kiir declared.

“It is also the only path towards achieving social and economic recovery and prosperity for our people. There is no need to engage in activities that would harm our country and its citizens,” he emphasized.

In a clear message of inclusivity, Kiir reiterated that anyone aspiring to become president has the right to organize their party and contest peacefully without resorting to violence.

“We are building South Sudan, and anyone who wishes to become president has the right to organize their party and contest peacefully, without violence,” he stated.

Kiir’s message comes as some parties such as the SPLM-IO, and international bodies such as the UN mission in South Sudan expresses concerns over delays of important tasks provided for in the revitalized peace agreement and necessary in conduct of the elections.

First Vice President Riek Machar who doubles as the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has said several times that the country is not yet ready for elections, citing deployment of forces, among many concerns.

The UN envoy to the country, Nicolas Haysom, earlier this week said that South Sudan is not ready for elections as well, citing uncompleted mechanisms necessary in conduct of what would South Sudan’s first-ever elections.