The South Sudanese community in Manitoba rallied in Winnipeg to express devastation over violence in their homeland, driven by a recent airstrike that killed 19. The community urged Canada to advocate against the violence and highlighted the role of foreign involvement, particularly from Uganda, in threatening peace efforts. Rallying cries emphasized the need for self-determination and community effort to achieve stability in South Sudan.
The South Sudanese community in Manitoba organized a rally in Winnipeg to mourn and protest the violence affecting their homeland, specifically the recent deaths of individuals at the hands of the South Sudanese government. Martino Laku, a rally attendee, expressed his heartbreak over the violence and emphasized the unpredictability of conflict spreading throughout South Sudan.
In early March, an airstrike by the South Sudanese airforce reportedly killed 19 people amid ongoing tensions following government forces’ withdrawal from conflict-prone areas. The United Nations peacekeeping mission has indicated that the nation risks falling back into widespread internal conflict, particularly following the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar, who is accused of inciting rebellion.
The civil war from 2013 to 2018—between forces loyal to Machar and President Salva Kiir—resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and ended with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Laku’s party has criticized Machar’s detention as a direct affront to this agreement, raising concerns about the implications for peace and stability.
Community member Souka Lofoni voiced the ongoing grief, stating that people are being bombed and displaced. She noted the troubling involvement of foreign governments in exacerbating the violence. Uganda’s President Museveni’s presence in South Sudan has been highlighted as a threat to peace by rally organizer Peter Jack.
The rally aimed to raise awareness and encourage the Canadian government to intervene in the global response to the escalating violence. Lofoni urged for stronger statements from Canada, while Laku highlighted the importance of self-determination and collaborative efforts among South Sudanese for lasting peace.
Overall, the rally underscored the urgent need for both international attention and grassroots commitment to foster peace and development in South Sudan.
The South Sudanese community in Manitoba is deeply affected by the ongoing violence in their homeland, which has seen tragic loss of life and instability. Rally participants called for awareness and international support to address the situation. The unrest, fueled by internal power struggles and foreign involvement, underscores the need for collective commitment to self-determination and peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
