Malong says pro-Khartoum politicians are ‘today’s beneficiaries’ of independence

JUBA — South Sudan’s former army chief and leader of the holdout opposition South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) General Paul Malong Awan has accused unnamed politicians of benefiting from South Sudan’s independence despite their anti-independence role during the liberation struggle.

Malong who made the remarks in a statement today to South Sudan’s Martyrs Day said the leadership of the world’s youngest country has betrayed the cause of independence and then accused some pro-Khartoum politicians of benefiting from the independence of South Sudan.

“It is saddening to note that our country has not lived up to the aspirations of our martyrs and more, to the legitimate expectations of our peoples. The leadership of the country betrayed all these for short-term successes motivated by greed for power and accumulation of material wealth,” he said.

“This has been done at the expense of all sacrifices made by our peoples. This betrayal cannot be better other than by pointing out that those who were fighting against liberation- the known hardliners against self rule are its today’s beneficiaries,” he added.

“The average citizen of the Republic has been relegated to the periphery. The pride of always seeing our beautiful flag flying in the sky as an equal with other world nations, indeed it’s birth and the sacrifices have not been in vain.

“The next duty has befallen upon us to make good the gains of self rüte by fighting for the fundamental rights, good governance and respect for the rule of law.

“It is inline with this aforementioned duty that your Movement, the South Sudan United Front and Army made a firm commitment to pursue the Second Liberation as a continuation of the previous liberations that brought us this day.

“It’s our strong belief that a glimmer of hope remains in the hearts of our people; fully aware that the lost of confidence in the current regime can be restored through the institution of a fresh leadership that has the interests our people at heart.

“We assure you that we are moving towards achieving the aspirations and dreams that have long been squandered by the poor leadership style that manages the country.

“The average citizen deserves decent living: all should be made possible by ensuring access to the basic necessities such as clean water, food, shelter and security of persons.

“Finally, we are happy to inform South Sudanese that your Movement- the SSUFIA is fully committed to bringing you a real and lasting peace.

“Our political engagements with the regime in Juba have been anchored on the principle of political honesty and will with the view addressing the root causes and recommends realistic solutions to the quagmire of wars we find ourselves in today.”