Kiir accuses ‘beneficiaries of war’ of spreading rumors after Juba gunfire – Sudans Publish
JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday criticized people he described as “beneficiaries of war” for spreading rumors, following per week of rigidity marked by heavy gunfire within the capital, Juba, that drove residents to hunt security in IDP camps.
In a nationwide deal with, Kiir assured residents that the scenario within the nation was secure, dismissing claims of unrest throughout the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), the nation’s conventional navy, as baseless.
“I am here to address the panic and fear that happened on Tuesday 26th November 2024. The misinformation circulating of a tension in the army headquarters is untrue. Our army is intact and together with other security agencies are discharging their patriotic duty effectively,” Kiir mentioned.
The president blamed the rumors on what he termed as “beneficiaries of war,” accusing them of being unsettled by the continuing peace introduced by the 2018 revitalized peace settlement.
“The beneficiaries of war and instability are behind these rumors. They have no benefit in peace. They are disappointed that our country is peaceful since we signed the Revitalized Agreement in 2018. They spread unfounded rumors to instill fear and sense of uncertainty in citizens’ minds,” Kiir mentioned.
“As your president, I am here to assure you that our country is secure and safe. I said it time and again that our country will not return to war. We will embrace dialogue to resolve our differences,” he added.
Kiir urged the general public to disregard rumors and proceed their every day actions.
“I appeal to you to go about your businesses, so we can collectively build our beautiful country. Learn to defy these rumors, never take them seriously, because they are lies,” he mentioned.
Kiir’s remarks got here per week after heavy gunfire erupted in Juba when navy generals, appearing on his orders, reportedly tried to arrest the previous head of the nationwide safety service, General Akol Koor.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday night final week, sparked panic of large-scale violence reminiscent to the December 2013 and July 2016 preventing within the capital Juba which triggered the nation’s first-ever civil struggle as a nation.
Earlier this week, new rumors circulated that Kiir had ordered the arrest of the chief of navy intelligence, Marshall Stephen, who was allegedly concerned in final week’s confrontation with General Akol.
The hypothesis triggered panic amongst Juba residents, with distributors and pedestrians in busy markets akin to Customs and Konyokonyo speeding residence.
