TORIT, South Sudan, Aug. 29, 2024 — Veteran of the Torit mutiny and the Anyanya I rebellion in Eastern Equatoria State are urging for a General Election to realize their long-held dream of a free nation for all citizens.
On Aug. 18, 1955, soldiers in Torit rebelled against the Khartoum regime, sparking the first civil war in Sudan, known as the Anyanya Rebellion or Anyanya I. “Anyanya,” in the Madi language, means snake venom.
The Anyanya veterans warn current leaders against prioritizing party interests over the welfare of citizens, a trend they say has caused South Sudan to lose its original vision.
Alex Locor, 69, expressed his readiness to participate in the upcoming election, viewing it as the only solution to the country’s problems. He urged political parties to respect citizens’ rights to a free and fair election, free from intimidation or rigging.
“All over the world, if you want to have a change for the better, you go for elections, and South Sudan is no exception,” Locor said. “I am ready for the election, but it must be conducted fairly, without rigging or intimidation.”
Locor believes the original Anyanya vision was to liberate South Sudanese from Arab oppression—a vision he says has been lost.
Paul Langar, who joined the Anyanya Movement in 1965 at age 16 in present-day Chukudum, Budi County, also supports holding elections as scheduled. He blames South Sudanese leaders for the hardships citizens face.
“People have been suffering since 2010. There have been no elections, just murmurs of discontent because the government is overbearing. The election must proceed because people are tired,” Langar said, stressing the importance of facilitating the return of exiles to participate in the election.
Amedeo Atari, 79, who lives in Hai Longute, Torit town, urged President Salva Kiir to unite all opposing groups. He warned citizens against making decisions based on party or individual interests.
“Choose leaders who will serve the people,” Atari advised, lamenting the impact of ongoing conflict. He noted that if there were peace, veterans like him would be enjoying their pensions.
A 2018 peace agreement established a transitional coalition government and outlined a roadmap for general elections in South Sudan. However, in August 2022, the transitional period was extended for another 24 months to February 2025, with elections tentatively set for Dec. 22, 2024.
Key provisions of the peace deal, including the creation of a permanent constitution and the unification of armed forces, remain unfulfilled. South Sudan continues to struggle with the aftermath of the 2013-2018 conflict, which killed 400,000 people, displaced millions, and left the country plagued by intercommunal violence.
