The South Sudanese community in Manitoba rallied in Winnipeg to express their grief over recent violence in South Sudan, where recent airstrikes killed at least 19 people. The situation is exacerbated by political tensions, including the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar. Community members called for international support and urged the Canadian government to take a strong stand against the violence.
The South Sudanese community in Manitoba expressed their deep sorrow during a rally held in Winnipeg, protesting the violence occurring in their homeland. They gathered at the Manitoba legislature to voice their concerns regarding the loss of lives among their compatriots, allegedly at the hands of the South Sudanese government. Martino Laku, a rally attendee who moved to Winnipeg in the early 2000s, lamented the situation: “It took us more than 25 years to get to where we wanted to be — have an independent country…”.
Recent reports indicate that South Sudan is on the verge of a widespread conflict following an airstrike early in March, which resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals. This incident followed the withdrawal of government forces after clashes with an ethnic militia known as the White Army. The peace in South Sudan is further threatened by the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar, which his party condemned as a severe infringement on the peace agreement forged after the civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018.
Participants at the rally conveyed their distress regarding the violence in South Sudan and the involvement of external powers. Souka Lofoni, a member of the South Sudanese community, highlighted the plight of their people: “They’re being bombed. They’ve been displaced from their houses.” Furthermore, concerns were raised about the presence of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, whose army supports President Salva Kiir, further complicating the situation.
The rally participants aimed to raise awareness of the deteriorating situation in South Sudan and sought to prompt action from the Canadian government regarding the unfolding violence. Peter Jack, one of the rally organizers, emphasized the importance of international scrutiny: “His presence in South Sudan endangers the peace process.” The community urged Canada to take a strong stance to alleviate the suffering of their people.
While highlighting the need for international support, rally attendees also stressed that true peace requires commitment to self-determination and collective efforts towards the country’s development. Laku asserted, “Self-determinations … our commitment to peace, that’s what’s going to bring [it].”
The rally of Manitoba’s South Sudanese community underscored their emotional distress over the violence impacting their homeland and their urgent call for justice and international intervention. With escalating tensions and recent violent incidents, including an airstrike that killed civilians, the risk of rekindling conflict remains high. The community seeks not only awareness and support from Canada but also emphasizes the critical role of dedication to peace and self-determination in establishing a stable future for South Sudan.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
