By Anak Dut
The former Presidential Press Secretary, Ateny Wek Ateny, has advised the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, not to leave Juba this time.
“Even if he gets the opportunity to do so, because he has a role to play and if he stays regardless of what comes his way, there would be no return to civil war,” Ateny advised.
Ateny said he is optimistic that President Salva Kiir has no ill plans as the two leaders are critically needed to continue to work together in implementing the peace agreement.
“People of South Sudan are tired of wars fueled by the struggle of political power and the urge to want to eat more.”
“We don’t need another war of any kind. The President’s wisdom is being sought critically this time. He mustn’t accept to see our country being obliged to enter into another civil war, through individuals masquerading as saviors when they think of the opposite.”
Kiir’s former press secretary said South Sudan is already at a psychological civil war and requires wise, steadfast, and resilient leadership to divert the country from entering into yet another physical civil war.
“President Kiir’s wisdom and his continued vow ‘not to return the country to war’ is now more critically needed than of anytime before,” Ateny highlighted.
However, he said it is incumbent upon President Kiir to do his usual humane treatment of political opponents by living up to his legacy.
He appealed to the president to continue his unwavering protection of Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, his family as well and his SPLM/A-IO members in Juba and across the States.
I addition, Ateny stated that the country’s political situation is charged and seemingly exploding as being fueled by fake news and unprecedented propaganda, and its future hangs in the balance.
He also noted the impact of the hate speech on social media that is fueling the deteriorating situation in the country.
“Some of which carries dangerous news of men listed for elimination, and the Uganda aerial bombardments of Nasir, Wunlang and Akobo in which civilians were killed,” Ateny noted some the inflammatory and harmful messages on social media.