The conflict in South Sudan has been raging on for years, with no end in sight. The latest move by the government to extend the term of President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, for another two years has been met with mixed reactions. The opposition party, Yakani, has spoken out against the extension, stating that it will not bring peace to the region.
Yakani is one of the many opposition parties in South Sudan, and its leader, Dr. Peter Yakani, has been a vocal critic of the government’s handling of the conflict. He believes that the extension of the president’s term will only exacerbate the situation and lead to further violence and unrest in the country.
One of the main reasons why Yakani opposes the extension is the division within the ruling party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). The party is split between the Kiir and Machar factions, which have been at odds with each other for years. The division has led to infighting, with both sides accusing the other of not being committed to peace.
Yakani believes that the extension of Kiir and Machar’s term will only deepen the divide within the SPLM, making it harder for the government to negotiate with the opposition. He argues that the only way to achieve lasting peace in South Sudan is through a united government that is committed to addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Another reason why Yakani opposes the extension is the lack of progress in implementing the peace agreement signed in 2018. The agreement was meant to end the conflict and provide a path for reconciliation and development in the country. However, progress has been slow, with many of the provisions of the agreement yet to be implemented.
Yakani believes that extending the president’s term will only further delay the implementation of the peace agreement. He argues that the government needs to focus on implementing the agreement and addressing the grievances of the opposition, rather than extending the term of the president and his deputy.
Yakani’s concerns are not unfounded. The conflict in South Sudan has been characterized by a lack of trust between the government and the opposition, and the extension of the president’s term is unlikely to change that. In fact, it may lead to further mistrust and suspicion, making it harder to negotiate a lasting peace agreement.
Moreover, the conflict has taken a heavy toll on the people of South Sudan. Millions have been displaced, and the country is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. Yakani believes that the government needs to prioritize the needs of the people and work towards providing them with the basic necessities of life, such as food, water, and shelter.
