Civil Society Organizations in Juba have reacted to SPLM Pagan Amum’s reinstatement as Secretary-General with skepticism and desperation, casting doubts on commitment to tackle real issues of peace.
Eve Organization for Women Development Director Rita Martin says they welcome Pagan Amum’s reinstatement with observations that ‘so many people have lost trust in the SPLM leadership’, demanding compromises for peace for South Sudan to move forward.
She decries worsening insecurity and suffering of South Sudanese even in the capital city, Juba, pleading that the warring parties should address the root causes of the conflict.
Director Martin observes that the reinstatement of Amum as SPLM Secretary-General or his group of the SPLM Former Political Detainees does not mean peace because the active military fighters are the government and SPLM/A in Opposition forces.
She argues that reinstating Amum and unifying SPLM as per the Arusha Agreement does not mean escaping accountability for thousands of innocent lives lost in the conflict.
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization or CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani hopes Amum’s return to SPLM Secretariat ushers peace and fundamental reforms for peace with SPLM/A in Opposition.
He casts doubt on Amum’s reinstatement in influencing peace commitment.