On behalf of the South Sudanese community in Australia, we would like to take this opportunity to address the situation in our country regarding the peace process. As many of you are aware, the sickness of our President is worsening. We are calling the IGAD, African Union and all other international communities to rescue our country from the destruction taking place. Therefore, we need a leader who not only can bring peace to our country but is not afraid to act and put an end to corruption and useless wars. 

For a very long time, we have been tolerantly watching how the government is running its affairs, hoping there would be lasting peace for the people of South Sudan. However, that has not been the case. As I write this, there is currently a combat in the Upper Nile and the Jonglei States, several innocent people dying and displayed with such little food to eat and no place to sleep. Though, our government have quite literally stood back and have not found any solutions to this subjective problem. However, as South Sudanese community leaders, we have an obligation to protect our people and our environment, and that begins with the exit of power, from President Salva Kiir and his Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, because the longer they remain in government, the more South Sudanese suffer.

Towards the end of 2021, the leaders held a meeting to discuss the fate of South Sudanese in the hands of President Salva Kiir and those who report to him. Following that meeting, the resolution or perhaps the final decision we reached was that General Paul Malong Awan, the former Governor of Northern Bahr El Ghazal and the former Chief of General Staff, must step in and assume the role of President of South Sudan. We suggested Paul Malong Awan because he had governed Northern Bahr El Ghazal State (Aweil) for years with transparency, peace, and equitable distribution of state resources. The people of that state reaped the benefits of his administration thanks to his leadership. He worked tirelessly to bring the government forces and the forces led by Dr. Riek Machar together. Furthermore, apart from General Paul Malong Awan, we do not see any other capable leader within our community who can help alleviate the suffering of South Sudanese, and because Salva Kiir continues to fail us we must look to other options. 

Finally, we ask that you consider our calls for a leadership change in the Republic of South Sudan. People are dying every day as a result of hunger, disease, and constant fighting, and we need a committed leader who can do the job. There is no indication or even hope that Salva Kiir will bring stability to the country. With his health deteriorating by the day and constant false promises to bring peace, he is clearly unfit. This informs the people of South Sudan that a new leader is urgently required. The time to act is now. As a result, we appeal to the IGAD, the International body, and the African Union to rescue our people and our country.

IGAD

Kenya Foreign Affairs

Australia Embassy in Kenya

East Africa Community.

Yours sincerely,

Manyok Maketh 

Andrew Lual