National Salvation Front (NAS) leader General Thomas Cirillo has presented his movement’s proposals for South Sudan’s political transition during an online policy forum hosted by Professor Amir Idris of Fordham University and moderated by retired Kenyan General Lazaro Sumbeiyo.
Speaking at the virtual discussion on Wednesday, Cirillo described the current situation in South Sudan as a critical juncture.
“This meeting, in fact, came at a very crucial time, where South Sudan is facing a situation whether to be free or not to be. We are losing the country… and there is a need for sons and daughters of South Sudan to put their heads together to find a way to rescue this great nation,” he said.
When asked about steps required to complete the country’s political transition, Cirillo stated that NAS does not believe a genuine transition is currently taking place.
“With due respect… the National Salvation Front views the situation as political stagnation… We call it an aborted transition because this transition did not start,” he said.
Cirillo, whose group did not sign the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, reiterated that NAS considered the deal flawed and had chosen not to participate in the process.
He further claimed that implementation of the agreement has been compromised and accused the government of limiting civic space while centralizing power in state institutions.
Looking forward, Cirillo advocated for a fresh peace process that includes all South Sudanese stakeholders.
“South Sudan needs its own daughters and sons to sit together, so that they discuss their problems,” he said.
He proposed that the process should involve opposition movements, opposition parties, civil society, faith-based groups, women, and youth.
It should also be supported by “truly neutral mediators, credible guarantors, [and] a neutral and safe venue for all participants.”
Cirillo suggested forming an interim government, followed by the adoption of a federal system, the return and resettlement of displaced persons, a national population census, and eventually elections.
“After that, we can conduct elections, and the South Sudanese will now choose their own leaders. This way, we will be able to usher in a democratic time for the first time in our history,” he said.
On the conflict in neighboring Sudan, Cirillo noted that the war has impacted South Sudan through increased cross-border insecurity and other security issues.
The online forum brought together South Sudanese participants and international stakeholders to explore the country’s political transition and pathways to lasting peace.