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STATEMENT FROM THE COMMON PEOPLES ALLIANCE (CPA) ON THE RIGHT TO PEACEFUL PROTEST IN SOUTH SUDAN

Juba, South Sudan
26th September 2024

The Common Peoples Alliance (CPA) would like to remind the people and government of South Sudan of the fundamental right to peaceful protest, a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. As enshrined in Article 25 of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (2011, as amended), every citizen has the right to freely assemble, protest, and express their views, especially when decisions made by those in power can have far-reaching consequences for the future of our country.

Recently, the CPA submitted a formal request to hold peaceful demonstrations in opposition to the unilateral extension of the transitional period—a decision made without broad public consultation nor the input of political parties or civil society. The CPA's request was submitted in full accordance with constitutional rights. However, the National Security Service (NSS), responsible for reviewing such requests, chose not to approve the peaceful protest. Despite this decision, we want to reassure the people that the CPA remains committed to engaging with the government and the NSS on the importance of upholding citizens' rights to peacefully petition their government. These protests are not calls for regime change but rather a means of holding those in power accountable for decisions made without inclusive consultation.

When the government makes decisions without involving its citizens, people must have space to express their concerns, ask questions, and advocate for better governance. This is the core of a healthy democracy, where the relationship between the government and the people is built on mutual respect, openness, and accountability.

The Role of Peaceful Protests in a Democracy

Peaceful protests are among the most important and effective tools for citizens to engage with their government. They offer a non-violent way for people to express dissatisfaction or concerns about policies and decisions directly affecting their lives. These protests are not about undermining the government; they are essential for ensuring that those in power remain accountable to the people. A government that allows and listens to peaceful protest demonstrates its respect for the voices of its citizens, showing a willingness to engage in dialogue and improve where needed.

The Importance of Democratic Governance and Citizen Participation

The CPA strongly believes that a government functions best when it works with its people, allowing their voices to be heard and their concerns addressed. The following are the benefits of a democratic governance system that actively includes citizen participation:

1. Building Trust and Legitimacy

Governments that listen to their citizens and permit peaceful protests foster an atmosphere of trust. When citizens feel that their voices are being heard and respected, the government's legitimacy is strengthened. Decisions made with public input are more likely to be respected as they reflect the shared interests of the nation.

2. Promoting Stability and Preventing Unrest

Allowing citizens to express their concerns peacefully helps to prevent unrest. When people are denied the opportunity to speak out, their grievances often remain unresolved, leading to frustration and, eventually, more serious forms of unrest. Peaceful protests serve as a safety valve, allowing the government to address public grievances before they escalate.

3. Improving Policy and Governance

Governments that work alongside their citizens frequently make better-informed decisions. Citizens often provide first-hand insights into the challenges and issues they face in their daily lives. Inclusive governance ensures that policies are based on the real needs of the people, resulting in more effective and relevant decisions.

4. Strengthening South Sudan's International Reputation

Countries that respect democratic principles and allow peaceful protests are viewed more favorably by the international community. This improves the country's international credibility, which can lead to increased foreign investment, stronger diplomatic relations, and greater international partnerships. On the other hand, when democratic rights are suppressed, countries often face diplomatic isolation and a loss of international trust, which hinders national progress.

Consequences of Suppressing Peaceful Protests and Citizen Engagement

While allowing peaceful protests strengthens democratic governance, the suppression of these rights leads to numerous negative consequences:

1. Erosion of Public Trust

When the government denies citizens their right to protest or express concerns peacefully, it erodes the trust between the people and the state. Citizens begin to feel disconnected from the political process, leading to a breakdown in the relationship between the government and the governed. Without trust, it becomes increasingly difficult for the government to effectively lead.

2. Increased Risk of Instability

Oppression of peaceful protests often fuels anger and resentment. When citizens are denied their right to express concerns non-violently, they may resort to more aggressive or violent means. Throughout history, we have seen how silencing dissent can lead to social unrest and destabilization, as people feel they have no choice but to fight for their rights.

3. Undermining National Unity

Governments that refuse to listen to their people's voices risk dividing the nation. When citizens feel excluded from decision-making and are denied their democratic rights, they feel alienated. This weakens national unity, making it harder for the country to address its most pressing challenges in a collective and unified manner.

4. Damaged International Reputation

Governments seen as oppressing their people or denying fundamental democratic rights often suffer damage to their international standing. This can lead to sanctions, reduced international support, and strained diplomatic relationships. Without international partnerships and goodwill, the country's ability to advance economically and politically becomes severely limited.

The Way Forward

The CPA believes that South Sudan's future lies in democratic governance, where the people's voices are respected and peaceful protests are seen as a positive force for accountability and dialogue. We call on the Government of South Sudan to uphold its constitutional obligations and protect the right of its citizens to peacefully protest.

These protests do not threaten governance but are a vital component of any healthy democracy. By allowing peaceful protests, the government provides a platform for citizens to engage with their leaders, ensuring that governance is inclusive and reflects the people's will.

The CPA will continue to engage with the government and the National Security Service (NSS) on citizens' rights to peacefully petition their government. We believe that by working with the people, the government can strengthen trust, foster national unity, and create a stable environment for long-term growth and prosperity. However, denying the people their democratic rights and suppressing their voices risks destabilizing the country and undermining the foundations of its legitimacy.

The CPA remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the people of South Sudan and advocating for a future grounded in peace, justice, and accountability.

END

"True leadership is not about holding power but empowering others. A servant leader listens, uplifts, and stands firm for the people's needs, knowing that the strength of a nation lies in the dignity and voices of its citizens."

— Deng Bol Aruai Bol, Chairman of the Common Peoples Alliance (CPA), 2024

The Red Army Foundation is pleased to announce to the Red Army, people of South Sudan and Friends that it has rescheduled its 1st Red Army National Convention, 2021 from 26th-29th July, 2021 to 1st-4th December, 2021 at Freedom Hall, Juba, South Sudan.

The decision to push the convention was reached yesterday after the meeting of the Convention Organizing Committee headed by its Chairman Dr. Paul Gal Atem and Sudd Institute representative Dr. Augstino Ting Mayai. Sudan Institute has been contracted by the Red Army Foundation to plan, manage and mobilize necessary internal and external funding for the Convention.

Before the conduct of the convention, it has been resolved that the national leadership of the Red Army Foundation will be fully established and expanded and all regional and state offices instituted. The leadership of the international wing of the Red Army Foundation, the Lost Boys and Lost Boys and Girls Memorial Federation (LBGMF) must be well established and expanded in the United States, South Sudan, Canada and Australia.

The Red Army Foundation is currently putting together modalities to carry out mass mobilization, recruitment and registration of all members and associates in all 10 States and Administrative Areas of South Sudan, United States, Canada and Australia.

It’s important to note that in order to attend the 1st Red Army National Convention, 2021 as a delegate, one must have registered and nominated by the national, regional, state or diaspora office.

The Red Army Foundation after registering its members will issue permanent digital identification cards to those who have fully paid the memberships and subscription dues for the year 2021 and 2022. This responsibility is delegated to the National Executive Director Mr. Peter Majur Ador.

The 1st Red Army National Convention, 2021 being held under the theme “Recalling Our Past, Examining Our Present, Determining Our Future” will be opened by H.E. Gen. Dr. James Wani Igga, Vice President of South Sudan and will be closed by H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan and Patron of the Red Army Foundation.

Among other topics and presentations, the convention will generally focus on role of the Red Army in the liberation struggle and nation building. The SPLM, other political parties, Government, Diplomatic Missions, CSOs, NGOs and Development Partners will be invited to the opening and closing ceremonies.

Thank you,

Deng Bol Aruai Bol
Chairman,
Red Army Foundation
Juba, South Sudan

For Immediate Release

Tuesday 23rd February, 2021

Subject: Red Army Memorial Projects Updates

The leadership of the Red Army Foundation would like to take this early opportunity to inform and update the Red Army Community and Friends of the progress made towards achieving the legacy preservation, development, and sustainability projects of the Red Army Foundation.

Project Management

The Red Army Foundation is almost done assembling a team capable of promoting the project, mobilizing resources, managing and executing the project successfully. As of now, Advisory and Project Management Committees are formed while every State and City are now organizing themselves into committees. It’s encouraging to report that some cities have already registered some Red Army Families and have started making individual contributions towards the project.

Project Development

The Red Army Foundation has already developed a comprehensive concept paper focusing on flagship projects such as Red Army Memorial Monument, Red Army Memorial Library, Red Army Memorial Museum, Red Army Memorial Tower, and Red Army Memorial School. This concept paper is now being reviewed and published by the leadership and will be available to the public soon.

Promotion and Promotional Items

The Red Army Foundation has already created a 24-hour Facebook Live TV Channel known as the Red Army TV as a platform to mobilize, inspire, inform and educate the populace on the stories and experiences of the Red Army during and after the liberation struggle. The Red Army TV will be dedicated to the promotion of the Red Army Legacy Preservation Projects while featuring news, documentaries, interviews, and infomercials. So far, the Red Army Foundation has already printed branded T-shirts, Caps, and Masks and for an affordable price, you can get them in South Sudan, United States, Canada, and Australia.

Land Acquisition and Architectural Design

The Red Army Foundation has formed a committee in South Sudan that is currently studying and pursuing possible means of acquiring land legally from willing Communities within or around the Capital Juba. For the project to be futuristic, we are planning to acquire a piece of land that will accommodate the current project as well as those we will envision to be added on in the near future such as agricultural schemes and other industries that will support the sustainability of the Red Army Foundation Programs and Projects. Recently, the leadership engaged an Architect to develop a site plan and designs of Red Army Memorial Monument, Red Army Memorial Library, Red Army Memorial Museum, Red Army Memorial Tower, and Red Army Memorial School and they will be ready shortly for review and approval.

Official Launch of Project and TV

The Red Army Foundation is currently planning for a Grand Launch of its flagship project in South Sudan, Australia, the United States, and Canada. Unfortunately, the current Coronavirus Lockdown and restrictions may undermine our plans to launch through large public gatherings, however, we can still gather in small groups in cities and also launch the Project and TV online via social media.

We encourage the Red Army all over the world to organize and unite so that we can achieve our vision of “a United Red Army Family, for a Stronger Red Army Community, Building a Better South Sudan”.

Thank you,

Deng Bol Aruai Bol
Chairman,
Red Army Foundation
Juba, South Sudan