Kiir claims ‘some’ citizens are supporting rebels against ‘my government’

JUBA – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has claimed that some citizens in the Equatoria region are supporting holdout opposition groups such as the National Salvation Front fighting the government, saying that recent attacks on farmers has intensified recruitment opportunities for the rebels.

Kiir who also stressed the need for people to work hand-in-hand to bring peace and cement domestic food production to avoid dependency on aid made the remarks on Tuesday during the closing session of the meeting of the SPLM National Liberation Council in Juba.

“Some people are now supporting the holdout [opposition] groups because pastoralists are believed to have brought their cattle to spoil Equatoria. I don’t want. If I have cattle, I have kept them in far places to avoid destruction,” he said.

“Some people say that let us fight in support of some hold-out groups. What will hold-out groups bring. We don’t need such act and we can’t declare war against such people. We will not accept to go back to war,” he added.

The president further promised that he will find an amicable solution when he talk to the pastoralists so that they don’t cause further violence.

“We must work by ourselves so that we feed ourselves. We build our own schools, hospitals since no body will come and establish for us. Those who will be doing for you the work will not do it for free rather will get something in return of their efforts,” he said.

“Nobody should come and deceive you that they will do for you this and that. All of us should unite and work as well as avoid fight among us,” he added.

He further said that: “I am going to talk with the owners of the cattle herders and their elders. We will tell them that they are causing problems. We will even drive if it means driving there.”