South Sudan rebels urged political groups on Thursday to unite against President Salva Kiir's government. SPLA-IO acting chairman Nathaniel Pierino Oyet released a statement from an unknown location calling for nationwide resistance. He claims Kiir has ruled with an iron fist for two decades without bringing peace or stability.
The opposition says half the population lives in displacement camps because of the ongoing conflict. About 70 percent of citizens survive below the poverty line despite the country having oil wealth. The rebels accuse the administration of military dictatorship, tribalism, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
Oyet asked all citizens, including youth, women, civil society, and religious groups, to defend their rights against the current leadership. He believes the current problems stem from historical injustices and poor governance over many years. The opposition leader stated that the South Sudanese people cannot afford to lose another generation after fighting hard for independence.
The detained First Vice President Dr Riek Machar leads the SPLA-IO movement. Government officials accuse Oyet of disappearing with military battalions. The country remains divided between competing political factions since gaining independence.
The opposition says half the population lives in displacement camps because of the ongoing conflict. About 70 percent of citizens survive below the poverty line despite the country having oil wealth. The rebels accuse the administration of military dictatorship, tribalism, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
Oyet asked all citizens, including youth, women, civil society, and religious groups, to defend their rights against the current leadership. He believes the current problems stem from historical injustices and poor governance over many years. The opposition leader stated that the South Sudanese people cannot afford to lose another generation after fighting hard for independence.
The detained First Vice President Dr Riek Machar leads the SPLA-IO movement. Government officials accuse Oyet of disappearing with military battalions. The country remains divided between competing political factions since gaining independence.
