By Yiep Joseph
Some members of the public have proposed the need to intensify dialogue in conflict-affected areas rather than declaring a state of emergency.
This call from stakeholders, including activists, follows the President Salva Kiir’s declaration of a state of emergency in Warrap State and Mayom County in Unity State due to inter-communal conflict and attacks on government forces.
The President declared a six-month state of emergency for the entirety of Warrap State and Mayom County in Unity State.
The declaration came after a series of violent incidents in Tonj East, Warrap, and Mayom County. The Warrap state government confirmed that the conflict in Tonj East has led to the deaths of over 60 people, while insecurity continues to persist.
A state of emergency is defined as a situation in which a controlling authority or government is empowered to authorize actions that would not normally be permitted.
This can include granting extraordinary powers or suspending civil rights and other freedoms for the duration of the declared emergency.
The move effectively places Warrap and Mayom under lockdown, with expected restrictions on civilian movement.
In response to the state of emergency declared by the President, some members of the public have rejected this approach, arguing that it will not resolve the conflict.
Akuol Ajak, a political analyst, stated that the conflict in Tonj, Warrap, and Mayom in Unity State does not require a state of emergency but rather dialogue.
He emphasized the need for the government to focus on facilitating dialogue among the conflicting parties instead of using force.
“We cannot use military means or government force to stop the conflict. What Warrap and Mayom County need is dialogue, as resolving disputes through force can worsen the situation,” Ajak said.
He urged the national government to reverse the directive, warning that it would exacerbate the already fragile situation.
“It was a decree, but I urge the leaders to reverse such a declaration and focus on civilian-to-civilian efforts to bring peace rather than imposing restrictions,” he added.
He encouraged residents in the areas under emergency to lay down their arms and cooperate with the state government in creating peace and stability.
“I appeal to the communities to cease hostilities, drop their guns, and ensure that peace is restored in the areas where the state of emergency is declared,” he said.
In a separate statement to the media, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), called on the government to focus on peace through dialogue.
“We need a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Tonj, Warrap State, Mayom County, and other parts of the country. This can be achieved through dialogue,” Yakani said.
He added that addressing inter-communal conflict requires concerted efforts rather than a state of emergency.
Yakani urged South Sudanese to embrace peace and reconciliation.
Rebecca Abuk, an activist in Warrap State, expressed her disappointment upon hearing of the state of emergency, especially given the ongoing suffering of the people due to conflict.
“I was disappointed when I learned that the President had declared a state of emergency at a time when the conflict in Tonj East has left many people displaced and in dire need of humanitarian assistance,” she said.
She called on the government to relax the state of emergency and allow dialogue a chance to bring stability to the affected areas.
Abuk emphasized that the state of emergency imposes further restrictions on people who are already suffering from the conflict.