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The remnants of the Torit mutiny and Anya1 rebellion in Eastern Equatoria State want general elections to fulfil their dream of a free country for all citizens.
On August 18, 1955, soldiers stationed in Torit revolted against the Khartoum regime, marking the beginning of Sudan’s first civil war, also known as the Aniya Uprising or Aniya I. Aniya means snake venom in the Madi language.
The remnants of Aniya are now warning leaders not to put party interests ahead of the well-being of citizens, a trend they say has led to a complete loss of vision for South Sudan.
Alex Lockor, 69, said he is ready to contest in the upcoming elections as it is the only solution to the mess in the country.
He called on all contesting political parties to respect citizens’ right to free, fair elections free from intimidation and manipulation.
“Around the world, if you want things to get better, you go to elections, and South Sudan is no different,” he said.
“I am ready for the election, but it must be conducted fairly without manipulation or intimidation.”
Lokol said Aniya’s vision to liberate the South Sudanese people from Arab oppression has long since disappeared.
Paul Langar, a 16-year-old who joined the Anya movement in Chukudum in present-day Budi County in 1965, also supported holding elections as per regulations.
Langar said South Sudan’s leaders should be held responsible for the suffering of their people.
“The people have been suffering since 2010. The government has never held elections, but there are many complaints because the government is too overbearing. The elections must go on because the people are tired of it,” he explained.
Langar stressed that all parties should facilitate the return of exiles to participate in the elections.
Amedeo Atari, 79, who lives in Hailongut in Torit town, urged President Salva Kiir to get all opposition factions to reach a consensus.
He warned citizens not to make choices based on partisanship or personal interests.
“Choose leaders wisely to provide service,” he said.
Attari condemned the harm caused by the ongoing conflict, noting that if there was peace, veterans like him could enjoy their retirement.
The 2018 peace deal paved the way for a transitional unity government and laid out a roadmap for elections in South Sudan.
However, in August 2022, all parties in South Sudan agreed to extend the transition period for another 24 months to February 2025, with elections tentatively scheduled for Scheduled for December 22 this year.
However, key provisions of the agreement, including the creation of a permanent constitution and the unification of the armed forces, remain unfulfilled.
South Sudan has been struggling to recover from a 2013-2018 conflict that killed 400,000 people and displaced millions, and the country remains plagued by inter-communal violence.
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