Kiir says he has kept his promise not to return country to war

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit said on Tuesday that he his government has kept its promise not to return the world’s youngest country to the deadly civil war which killed around half a million people.

South Sudan descended into deadly violence in December 2013 following power struggle between Kiir, the head of the SPLM party, and his then deputy Dr. Riek Machar Teny, sparking army mutinies along ethnic lines.

Pope Francis has been one of the advocates for end to the South Sudan conflict and had at one point hosted a retreat of the parties to the conflict in Vatican where President Salva Kiir promised him not to return the country to conflict.

Yesterday, Vatican Secretary-General His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived in South Sudan to meet with President Kiir on behalf of Pope Francis and a statement by the presidency said Kiir told the visiting top Vatican official that he has stayed true to his promise not to return the country to war.

“H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit wished His Holy Father a quick recovery and hopes that he visits South Sudan when he recovers. He also expressed how the people of South Sudan are eager to receive His Holiness,” the presidency said.

“The president also told the delegation that since he met with the Holy Father and was advised not to allow the country to return back to war.  It has been implemented. Since then South Sudan has never gone back to war, and will continue to strive for peace, unity and equality for all,” it added.

The South Sudanese head of statement “assured His Holiness’s delegation that the Country is ready to hold peaceful, transparent and fair elections. He encouraged with confidence, that even after the elections are held, the people will still remain United as South Sudanese and work together for the Country’s prosperity.”

For his part, His Imminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin assured the South Sudan leader that the country is in Pope’s heart.

““I would like to say to you, do not let yourselves be deprived of hope! Do not let yourselves be deprived of hope, you are so dear to me, think of how more precious and loved you are in the eyes of God who never ever ignores all who place their hope in him,” he said.

“You have a great mission beginning with being a responsible politician and striving the Country towards the paths of peace, unity, reconciliation, paths of pardon, paths of serene coexistence and development,” he added.