South Sudan President Salva Kiir made an appeal to rebel chief Riek Machar to return to Juba in the parliament on Tuesday. Machar is currently in exile in Khartoum.
While delivering the State of the Nation Address at the National Assembly in Juba, President Kiir said he was deeply touched when Pope Francis kneeled to kiss his feet at a Vatican retreat with his rival Riek Machar last month, adding that this had laid a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.
“I was shocked and trembled when His Holiness The Pope kissed our feet,” he said during the opening of the country’s parliament on Tuesday, reported Africa News. “It was a blessing and can be a curse if we play games with the lives of our people.”
Mr. President said he has completely forgiven Machar and now wants him to return back and establish a transitional government to take place.
“I have completely forgiven him (Machar) and all I ask from him is to become a peace partner, for he is no longer my opponent,” Kiir said. “In the spirit of (the peace deal) and our experience in Rome, I once again extend my invitation to Dr. Riek Machar to return home.”
Mr. Kiir said he recognized Dr. Machar’s apprehensions. He also called upon government and opposition forces to open corridors in their areas of control for free movement of people, goods, and services. He ensured that his government would spend all resources at its disposal in consolidating peace and stability in South Sudan.
Commenting on Sudan’s current condition, President Kiir asked that the sovereignty of Sudan be respected in this time of political uncertainty as the country works towards a transition.
“It is important to remind international and regional actors not to interfere in Sudan,” he appealed. “The people of Sudan are perfectly capable of managing their own affairs. Let us prove the world wrong.”
