NAS Chairman urges unity, calls for inclusive talks in Christmas message
The Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the National Salvation Front (NAS), Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka, has urged South Sudanese to remain united and called for inclusive political dialogue aimed at ending the country’s conflict.
In his Christmas message, Gen. Thomas paid tribute to NAS fighters and civilians who have died in the struggle, saying their sacrifices were made “in defence of freedom and dignity”. He offered condolences to families who lost loved ones and said the season should bring “consolation and strength”.
He accused the SPLM-led government in Juba of presiding over displacement, hunger and insecurity, while praising South Sudanese for remaining “resilient and unbroken” despite hardship.
..listen to the voices of the people and embrace the proposal for a Roundtable Conference
Gen. Thomas reiterated NAS’s support for a comprehensive peace process centred on an all-inclusive Roundtable Conference involving political parties, opposition groups, civil society, faith leaders, women and youth. Such talks, he said, should be held in a neutral venue and address the root causes of the conflict.
He also called on President Salva Kiir’s government to “listen to the voices of the people” and embrace the proposal, arguing it could open “a new dawn of peace and prosperity” for the country.
The NAS Chairman urged South Sudanese to support one another, forgive, and recommit to building “a just, united and peaceful South Sudan”, concluding with wishes for a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
