President Kiir Vows No Return To War

Sudan’s First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit has ruled out a return to war as the South Sudan Referendum vote fast approaches.

Kiir who is also the Government of Southern Sudan President told a meeting in the Western Bahr el Ghazal State capital Wau on Friday that he will not lead the semi -autonomous region to return to war before and after the upcoming referendum.

He said the almost 3-decade civil war greatly devastated South Sudan and added that he would not wish to see such a situation once again.

He also took issue with the CPA partner, the National Congress party (NCP) for backtracking on the provisions of the peace deal.

“Despite the peace efforts and the ongoing discovery of oil in the South, the NCP is still extending its territory into South Sudan”, he told the meeting.

He called upon the various leaders in the states and civil society organisations to mobilise South Sudanese to register in large numbers in readiness for the January vote.

“We need to enlighten the Southerners to choose wisely during the vote and the outcome should be respected by all”, said Kiir.

The Greater Bahr el Ghazal States Forum brought together the key officials from the four states in the vast region namely: Western Bahr el Ghazal, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap and Lakes.

Those at the meeting included the State Governors and GoSS Presidential Advisors Goss Ministers and Speakers of the respective Legislative Assemblies of the Greater Bahr el Ghazal.