NAS and SSOMA Chairman urges international community to rethink support for Kiir’s government and its failed agreements
General Thomas Cirillo Swaka, Chairman of the National Salvation Front (NAS) and leader of the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA), has renewed his call for the international community and the regional bloc IGAD to reconsider their support for President Salva Kiir’s government and its many failing and dishonoured agreements.
In his annual address to the nation, broadcasted on YouTube, Facebook, Clubhouse, and other major social media platforms, General Cirillo criticised ongoing peace processes and agreements, stating they have failed to deliver meaningful change and instead prolong the suffering of South Sudanese people. The address was well attended by South Sudanese both within the country and across the globe.
It is high time to review the support to the regime and its failed agreements that will not bring peace to the country
“Such agreements, which are never implemented, only prolong the war and the suffering of the people,” General Cirillo said. “It is high time to review the support to the regime and its failed agreements that will not bring peace to the country. Such tolerance will only breed more conflicts which will hasten the collapse and disintegration of South Sudan.”
Gen. Thomas Cirillo first appealed to friends of South Sudan, the international community and IGAD in his Christmas Message a few days earlier.
Reaffirming his commitment to genuine peace, Chairman Thomas renewed his proposal for an inclusive Roundtable Conference, calling on all stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict as the only viable solution for lasting and sustainable peace.
“We firmly believe that [the Roundtable Conference] is the best and practical mechanism for achieving lasting and sustainable peace,” he stated. “NAS and SSOMA are dedicated to the salvation of our people and the future of our nation.”
The address, which lasted over two hours, covered a wide range of issues, including the country’s challenges, as well as the hope and aspirations of the South Sudanese people for the new year.
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