By Ajah Jennifer

Leading South Sudan politician and son of the country’s founding father, Dr. John Garang, Mabior Garang, has advised citizens to desist the urge to take part in the political disputes of elites serving their personal interests.

Mabior said the civil wars in 2013, 2016 and current conflict are related to political agendas championed by the propaganda machine of the traditional elites, both inside and outside government. The individuals, he claimed, are working tirelessly to frame these conflicts in ethnic terms through misinformation and disinformation.

Mabior urged people not to let themselves be deceived and verify information before sharing to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech.

“We must not let ourselves be used – whether as ordinary citizens on social media, social activists, online influencers, civil servants, members of the organized forces, or civil defense paramilitary groups. We must act responsibly to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control,” Mabior said, adding that if left unchecked, vulnerable citizens could descend into brutal killings, further causing conflict and leading to senseless violence.

“Let us verify information before sharing it on social media. It can be a matter of life and death. Let us reject hate speech and war-mongers who stand to benefit from our nation’s disintegration,” he stated.

He stressed that self-serving politicians involved in fuelling these divisions if not held accountable would ultimately sit at the negotiating table to divide the national cake. “The White Army and the SPLM/A-IO do not represent the Nuer/Naath communities, just as the SPLM-IG and the SSPDF do not represent the Dinka/Jieng communities. This simplistic view is a false narrative pushed by warmongers within our country and the region.”

Mabior urged peace-loving citizens to come together. He further appealed to the President to live up to his promise not to take the country back to war, hinting that the current conflict was nothing more than reckless adventurism with no clear political purpose.  “A just and honorable settlement is not an act of cowardice. On the contrary, it is a bold step that offers our people the best opportunity to unite and determine our shared destiny. H.E. President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar should seize this moment with courage to usher in a new political dispensation, one that will define their legacy,” he explained.