South Sudanese Soldier Faints From Hunger Amidst Heightened Tensions Under President Kiir’s Regime
By Majur Chol Khor
In a distressing turn of events, a South Sudanese soldier fainted due to hunger yesterday in Juba, shedding light on the suffering endured by citizens under the current regime led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The soldier collapsed as a result of not having anything to eat since the morning deployment, which was reportedly in response to rumors of upcoming strikes in the area.
The deployment was initiated amidst speculations of potential strikes set to take place tomorrow around Juba. According to Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul, the security measures were implemented for the protection of citizens, citing that today marks martyrs day in the region.
Expressing concern over the well-being of the soldiers, a citizen scheduled to participate in the strikes remarked, “Deployed soldiers will later go and sleep empty stomach.” The soldier who fainted has since been hospitalized in Juba and is currently receiving treatment for his condition.
The incident underscores the dire circumstances facing the South Sudanese people under the current administration, highlighting issues of food insecurity and the challenges of daily life in a country plagued by political instability and conflict.
Reacting to the ongoing political and economic challenges in South Sudan, Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, emphasized the importance of Martyrs Day as a time for reflection and decisive action by the country’s leaders. In his statement, Mr. Yakani paid tribute to the lives lost during the struggle for independence, particularly honoring Dr. John Garang De Mabior for his leadership in the liberation of South Sudan.
Addressing the prevailing political instability and its detrimental impact on the economy and citizens’ well-being, Mr. Yakani urged political leaders to seize the opportunity to make significant decisions for the country’s future. He stressed the urgency of addressing the man-made political instability that has led to widespread suffering among the South Sudanese population.
Drawing parallels with positive developments in neighboring Kenya through initiatives like Tumaini, Mr. Yakani called for a unified approach among political parties in South Sudan to prioritize the well-being of the nation over individual interests. He expressed concern over divisive political attitudes and urged the presidency to prioritize national unity and progress through decisive actions.
Mr. Yakani’s plea for swift and inclusive decision-making resonates with many South Sudanese citizens who are yearning for stability, peace, and prosperity in their war-torn nation. As the country commemorates its martyrs and reflects on its journey to independence, the call for constructive political engagement and genuine leadership becomes ever more pressing in the face of ongoing challenges.
