The South Sudanese community in Manitoba has rallied in Winnipeg to express deep distress over violence in South Sudan, particularly following recent airstrikes. They fear for family members still in the country and specifically condemn the government’s actions against its own people. In light of escalating tensions and political instability, community leaders urge Canada and the international community to intervene and advocate for peace.
The South Sudanese community in Manitoba demonstrated their distress over escalating violence in their homeland during a rally at the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg. They expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives among their compatriots, reportedly due to actions taken by the South Sudanese government. Martino Laku, a community member who moved to Winnipeg in the early 2000s, articulated the heartbreak felt by many, stating, “It took us more than 25 years to get to where we wanted to be — have an independent country, but seeing this happening now in our country, it just breaks our heart.”
Fear for the safety of family members remaining in South Sudan is pervasive among rally participants. Laku noted, “This is happening in certain areas … but tomorrow could be somewhere else,” highlighting the unpredictability of violence. Recently, an airstrike executed by South Sudan’s airforce resulted in at least 19 fatalities, and escalating tensions have vied the nation on the edge of widespread internal conflict, as reported by a UN peacekeeping mission.
The civil war in South Sudan, which lasted from 2013 to 2018, saw a catastrophic death toll and was characterized by battles between forces loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir. The recent detention of Machar has raised alarms about the stability of the fragile peace established by the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Souka Lofoni, another rally attendee, condemned the government’s actions, stating that the community is “devastated” by the ongoing violence.
The presence of foreign troops, particularly from Uganda, has further complicated the situation. Rally organizer Peter Jack warned, “His presence in South Sudan endangers the peace process,” referring to Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni’s involvement. The rally sought to increase awareness of the dire circumstances in South Sudan and encourage the Canadian government to voice condemnation against the resurgence of violence.
Lofoni emphasized the need for a strong international stance, urging that Canada should vocalize support to alleviate the suffering of South Sudanese people: “Our people have been killed and we don’t see a strong statement that can help … stop our government from doing this.” Community members concluded by affirming that international support must be coupled with local commitment to peace, as articulated by Laku: “If the people are really committed and they’re able to work together for the development of the country.”
The rally in Winnipeg underscores the emotional turmoil experienced by the South Sudanese community in response to the escalating violence in their homeland. With concerns over safety and international involvement, community leaders call for global awareness and action. Notably, the tension in South Sudan, exacerbated by political detentions and foreign military presence, poses significant challenges for peace efforts that must also be complemented by local commitment to governance and development.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
