17/12/2024
In Honour of the Victims and Survivors of 2013 Juba-Nuer Massacre.
His Excellency 1st Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, Chairman and Commander in Chief of SPLM/A - IO, KD. Addressed thousands of South Sudanese mourners on 15th-Dec night during the commemoration of the Juba massacre on Dec-15th.
In his address, Gen. Gatwech acknowledged the presence of esteemed leaders, including:
- Gen. Thomas Cirrillo
- Gen. Duer Tut Duer
- Gen. Chuol Geaka Yier
- Gen. Yien Mathew
- Gen. Dickson Gatluak Jock
- Gen. Biel Torkeach Rambang
And several senior leaders of SPLM-IO Kitgwang
General Gatwech began by paying tribute to the victims and survivors of the 2013 Juba massacre. He emphasised the importance of unity among the South Sudanese community, both at home and in the diaspora, as a critical step towards overcoming the challenges facing the nation.
He condemned the corruption and insecurity impacting the people of South Sudan. He held President Salva Kiir accountable for the ongoing hardships and for not honouring various peace agreements, including the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the 2022 Khartoum Peace Agreement between Juba and Kitgwang leadership, and the Rome Round Table Peace Initiative.
General Gatwech believes that the current regime lacks the political will to foster peace in the country. He urges all opposition leaders and groups to unite and work together towards meaningful change in South Sudan.
He reassured the audience of his commitment to the future of the youth and the welfare of the South Sudanese people, emphasising that his focus is on service rather than personal ambition for leadership at this stage in his life.
Another key point in his speech was his call for accountability; he stressed the need to hold those responsible for atrocities during the conflict accountable. He noted his restraint over the past three years as he sought to avoid conflict among his own people, but he is aware of those who have committed such acts and believes they should be the focus of all opposition efforts.
General Gatwech highlighted the significance of Ngundeng’s prophecies regarding South Sudan, suggesting they are beginning to materialise. He affirmed that the presidency should be for the South Sudanese people to decide and that they have the inherent right to choose their leader through unity.
In conclusion, General Simon Gatwech Dual urged all South Sudanese, particularly the Nuer community, to foster unity and collaborate with others to pursue positive change in their country.
We'll Forgive but We'll Never Forget.
Thank you, and may God bless you and bless South Sudan.
Office of the Interim Chairman and Commander in Chief.
SPLM/A-IO Kitgwang.
