Radio Miraya
2737: High-Level Mediation for South Sudan in Nairobi: Civil Society Representative, Ayak Chol Deng Alak
Good afternoon. Representative of the government, representatives of the government of Kenya, representatives of various governments present here today, the chief mediator, General Lazarus Ombayo, Mr. Tobias from the community of San Tejidio, egan special envoy for South Sudan Ambassador Ismail Weis, representatives of the government of South Sudan, opposition political and armed groups, the PCCA, civil society, academia, youth, women groups, and other stakeholders, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, all protocols observed. I am deeply honored to stand before you today on behalf of civil society as we penned our commitment to the high level mediation for our beloved country, South Sudan, here in the violence of the United States. Allow me a first express profound gratitude to our gracious hosts, President Ruto and his government, and all other partners for only accepting our President's self-acuse quest for inclusive peace, a highlight to the attached African solutions to African problems. We applaud the President's key for the bold move to consolidate peace in the country. Excellencies, your commitment to providing a safe and constructive environment for these dialogues is invaluable. And thank you for giving our elder the chance to complete his calling to attaining peace in South Sudan, the chief mediator. Now this day, 16th May is a great day of significance in the history and the struggle for the independence of South Sudan, which also coincides with this auspicious occasion of the signing of the statement of commitments by the delegates to the high level mediation. We would also like to take this opportunity to express on behalf of civil society and the people of South Sudan, our condolences and thoughts for the loss of lives and devastation caused by the recent flooding in Nairobi and other parts of this country. Ladies and gentlemen, this day marks a significant gathering, a testament to the priority placed on the cause of a democratic peace of South Sudan. Each of us here is bound by shared vision, a vision that was ignited in 2011 when we celebrated our hard-won independence. That moment stood as a symbol of unity, togetherness and a new self-determined beginning. We came to the whiteboard, eager, to sketch the outlines of the South Sudan we envisioned. However, the path has not been without its struggles. A blueprint alone does not unite communities into a nation. It does not build a state. The frameworks we enthusiastically drew up were reduritably marred by preparations that fell short, leading us back into the throes of instability and violence and making independence feel like hell with promise. So today we come back to the drawing board, not just as government officials, as civil society leaders or representatives of holdout, political and armed groups, but as citizens of one nation and architects of our own peace. This is our opportunity for agency and self-impowerment. Crucial, not only for our own nation's future, including its majority, the youth population, but also a beacon of hope for the entire continent of Africa. So as we embark on this dialogue, let us recall the mutual belief that once united, that once united us, it is imperative that we set aside personal positions, influence and other destructive statuses that distract from our collective goal, peace in South Sudan. It is time to reflect on what unites us, not what divides us. We call upon the parties to come together, not as opposing forces, but as committed peace actors ready to build consensus for a common future. We are fully aware of the challenges before us. Conversations will be tough, disagreements inevitable and emotions will undoubtedly rise. Yet we are hopeful that the parties will rise above these realities. And so we encourage goodwill and fostering an environment where we are able to address the concerns and grievances and genuine learning from each other's ideas for meaningful transformation when the citizens aspirations at heart. We further call on all the holdout groups, including General Thomas Chirilo, General Gattuich Duong, to join the high-level mediation in our collective efforts for peace in South Sudan. Let us contemplate on how we can prevent regression and build on the gains we have made, as well as those we aspire to achieve. The road ahead is paved with both obstacles and opportunities, but with our collective will we can traverse this path towards peace in the country. Thank you, your excellencies. Government of South Sudan and signatory groups, political parties and other partners for your commitment to this journey, let us proceed with hope, mindfulness, determination and an unwavering dedication to our people and our future. Thank you very much. [BLANK_AUDIO]