Kiir warns against violence, calls for religious cooperation ArticleComments (2). Email PrintSave --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 30, 2011 (JUBA) - Salva Kiir Mayardit, president of the Republic of South Sudan and leader of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has warned against violence and called for religious cooperation with the state in an address broadcast on South Sudan televion Wednesday. South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir prays during a Sunday service in Juba on January 16, 2011, (Getty)Speaking at a religious function in Yei on 27 November Kiir called on citizens to disregard their political affiliations and foster unity for the development of the country. The rally was attended by thousands of supporters and sympathisers of the ruling party. “Let’s unite as one people. As South Sudanese we should forget about our political affiliations; let’s know that the way we unite and come together as people from the same parents is the way forward for the country, President Kiir told the congregation in a function attended by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Juba Diocese, Paulino Lokudu Loro. Kiir congratulated citizens of Yei River county in Central Equate State, for the successes gained in the last general elections and referendum in which majority voted overwhelmingly in favour of the secession of South Sudan from the north and urged them to remain united in both good and difficult times. "Our division will only take the country backwards,” the former rebel leader turned politician told the multitude of supporters at a religious function reportedly attended by the whole town. He also congratulated bishop of Yei diocese for keeping the diocese united in serving God and preaching peace and reconciliation among the local population. The president said: "from 1947 to 2005; the country was united and remained united against external aggression though Khartoum attempted to take advantage of civil wars with the South to introduce tribalism". He said that despite being independent the country is marred by massive underdevelopment from its past. While averring that his government is “not afraid” of anything apart from God, the president stressed that deeds matter more the words. Since self rule in 2005 South Sudan has suffered from endemic corruption and poorly run civil service, failing to deliver the services and build the infrastructure that many thought would be possible. Warns against violence Kiir called on the Church to preach against violence in all its manifestations. “You all know that violence and development can’t go together. Where you have violence even worshiping of God becomes impossible. So we will not tolerate unrest in this country. I want to appeal to you not to fight or indulge in violence even if you are insulted. The day that you will pay back is when you punish the person in the form of voting against the party to which that person belongs,” he stated. He urged South Sudanese in general to maintain peace and order in the country, while stressing that he will not tolerate those that have tried all means to destabilise the country. South Sudan has several rebellions operating mainly in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile states. He added: “The peace and stability in this country is the end result of why we are worshiping God and that is why too that there are developmental activities taking place here in this county. Yei is one of the places in this country witnessing a lot of developmental activities because of peace and stability” (ST) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SouthSudanKob?hl=en.
