Former Political Detainees Condemn Rebecca Nyandeng’s Remarks, Call for Unity
By Patricia John
The Former Political Detainees (FDs) have condemned remarks attributed to Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior during funeral prayers for the late former Minister of Finance and Planning, Kosti Manibe Ngai, calling on political leaders to avoid statements that could contribute to public unrest.
Isaiah Hakim Garang, chief whip of the Former Political Detainees Party in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, said Monday that the group was concerned about the vice president’s remarks, which he said encouraged young people to stand up for their rights.
“We, as former political detainees, came out to condemn the statement made by Mama Rebecca Nyandeng, the Vice President, during the funeral prayers of the late Hon. Kosti Manibe Ngai,” Garang said.
According to Garang, Nyandeng told young people during the funeral gathering to stand up for their rights, remarks he said could be interpreted as encouraging citizens to challenge the government.
He acknowledged that political leaders have the right to express their views but urged them to exercise caution and avoid statements that could inflame tensions.
“As leaders, you have the right to express your views, but it is not good to incite people to rise against our government,” Garang said.
Garang said political disagreements should instead be addressed through institutions established under the peace agreement.
“We are in a government formed by parties to the agreement. We have the presidency, Parliament and state governments, and we are working as one team to serve our people,” he said.
The Former Political Detainees called on political leaders to prioritize dialogue and use existing government institutions to resolve disagreements, warning that inflammatory political rhetoric could undermine stability during the transitional period.
The remarks come as South Sudan continues preparations for anticipated elections while political parties and stakeholders debate governance, implementation of the peace agreement and the country’s political transition.
The FDs urged leaders across the political divide to promote unity, peaceful dialogue and stability as the country moves toward the next phase of its political transition.
