Lakes State youths on Monday rallied on the streets of Rumbek to defend the position taken by the President of the Republic on the rising boarder tensions between South Sudan and Sudan.
The youth from unions and learning institutions in Lakes State organized a peaceful demonstration, waving placards with messages like “War has ended”, “It is our right to defend our country”, and “Mr. President we need protection of our property and territory”Tenson Tuol Loklith was among those who took part in the peaceful demonstration. He told Good News Radio that the rally was in support of Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to keep South Sudanese troops in Higlig until some conditions were met to withdraw them.
Tuol Loklith clarified that the youths were not declaring war on Sudan but defending their country’s territory.
Another demonstrator Junub Maker Riak called on the United Nation’s Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to withdraw a statement demanding the withdrawal of SPLA troops from Higlig.
He said Higlig is called Panthou and is in South Sudan.
Moses Tuektuek Machar said the youth in Lakes State were voicing their concerns to the international community that they are not happy withUN’s demands and that they are behind the president of South Sudan.
He added that the youths are very happy with the courage and boldness of Mr Kiir, pointing out that the sovereignty of the Republic of South Sudan is the dignity of her citizens.
Mr Machar wondered why some people have renamed Panthou as Heglig to distort what he called historical facts about the oil-rich area.
He blamed Sudan for violating human rights through aerial bombardments and called on the international community to exercise objectivity in handling the ongoing crisis.
The Governor of Lakes State Chol Tong Mayay announced on Monday to the demonstrating youths that he was going to set up a mobilization committee to work with the youth’s mobilization committee.