South Sudanese citizens are expressing mixed reactions to a decision by the UN Security Council to extend South Sudan’s sanctions regime for 45 more days.
Juba resident, Lodiong Edward, welcomes the decision believes the sanctions will force the leaders to bring peace to the country.
‘Few people cannot really make the whole country to suffer because of their selfish interests. So, as I citizens of this country, I really congratulate the International Community especially America for the bold decision that they have taken against the spoilers of peace, and those who are seem obstructing peace in South Sudan. And for that matter, I am really very happy and very optimistic that soon peace will be realized in South Sudan,” he said
Edward says South Sudanese leaders must put the interests of the people above their individual interests.
Suzan Wasuk SokIri who is a member of South Sudan’s Transitional Legislative Assembly says the sanctions are not timely correct and may negatively impact the peace process.
‘The sanction itself is not helpful because the individuals who are sanctioned at the moment are these are the [same] people who are negotiating the peace agreement from right from right time in 2014, when the work broke out in South Sudan. And they were negotiating until today. I am sure if they are sanctioned; it means that they will not be able to continue with the peace negotiation in Addis Ababa, and that one will create more delayment in the negotiation.’
Jame David Kolok is the Executive Director of Foundation for Democracy and Accountable Governance. He says he believes; sanctions are not the best solution to the South Sudanese conflict.
‘While that is one of the option, I think the option of IGAD in which is trying to persuade these parties to get around the table and agree on some of the proposals that are been put forward is very important and that should be given a priority. And if it fails other options can easily come in.’
David says he believes IGAD should give one more chance to the South Sudanese leaders to resolve their difference at the negotiating table.