President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday appealed to the citizens of Western Bhar El Ghazal State to embrace the spirit of peace and reconciliation to foster development and also prepare for the general election after the transitional period.
Kiir said he signed the extended peace roadmap to complete South Sudan’s transition and prepare for elections, reiterating his pledge not to return the country to civil war.
“I accepted the extension of the transitional period by 24 months to give the political parties ample time to prepare for general elections. We want to bring an end to transitional governments,” Kiir said during a public rally in Wau town on Saturday.
“We should have a democratically elected government, so you, the people of Wau should prepare for elections. If you win elections as a political party, you can form your government, and if you lose, please do not cause conflict. Power-sharing has brought us a lot of problems. There will be free and fair elections,” he added.
Kiir further stated that he introduced free education to eradicate illiteracy rate in the country particularly girl child education.
“No child should stay at home without being taken to school, I urge you to take all the children to school especially girls. Girls are no longer sold for high bride price but must go to school and contribute to development of the country.” President Kiir reiterated
Governor of Western Bhar El Ghazal state, Sarah Cleto Rial said the citizens of Wau are in solidarity with the President, adding that there is peace and stability in the state.
She thanked President Kiir for prioritizing free education in the country, adding that there is need to refurbish old schools and hospitals.
Cleto appealed to the national government to increase capacity building for young people and women.
President Kiir landed in Wau on Saturday on his way to Kuajok town of Warrap State. He promised the residents his return to Wau to hold a big public rally. The President held a pub