South Sudan: Abyei Civil Society organization (ACSC) – Press release (14.11.2023)

South Sudan: Where there is smoke, there is fire…

I am receiving concrete information that the #South_Sudan People’s Defense Forces and NSS denials are a lie. Heavy army deployment in and around Juba since Friday night is indeed intended to prevent a coup (probably planned by Akol Koor). More than 20 officers have been arrested” (Patrick Heinisch, 12.11.2023).

Well, everything isn’t well in Juba, South Sudan. The President for Life, Salva Kiir Mayardit isn’t as beloved or popular as he makes himself out to be. The militarism of politics and usage of force to get ahead has caused all of this. While the “Transitional” period and lack of implementation of R-ARCSS is haunting the ruling elite. A ruling elite, which is living on a premiss and a belief that they are beholden to stay in power indefinitely.

A President ruling on decree and without a popular vote is bound to fall eventually. Sooner or later some up-start and wise-guy within the armed ranks will cause a mutiny and get enough commanders on his side. As they are tired, hungry and reckless about the future. In the belief of a new order and a new leadership. Because, the current one isn’t serving anyone, but itself… and using past heroics to defend its existence.

Here is how they described what happened over the weekend:

Although the general security situation was normal in the capital Juba, security forces could be seen early morning deployed around checkpoints, Juba Airport and the president’s residence, causing tensions among residents of Juba. Lul described the reports of a coup attempt as unfounded allegations. “Those who came up with claims of an attempted coup in Juba are terrible liars, and those are enemies of peace who want to cause panic among the population. If there had been an attempted coup, things could not have become normal like they are now in Juba. Who are the coup plotters, if I may ask them?” Lul said. “Things are now normal in Juba and this is not how things work after an attempt coup. I want to reassure the public that those are lies. The correct version of the story is that we have observed an increased cases of robberies at night. So what we did was a show of force to stop criminals from committing crimes in different residential areas,” he added” (Radio Tamazuj – ‘South Sudan army debunks reports of coup attempt’ 11.11.2023).

We can wonder what happened here over the weekend. Because, something isn’t adding up. Especially, if the reports of arrests and a possible culprit. Then there might have been a mutiny and a failed coup d’etat attempt, as the President was away on a Summit in the Middle East. That would seem possible, because others has tried to do this while the Head of State is abroad. It is known tactic and isn’t a new one.

The culprits are thinking the waters are silent and weakened, as the Head is gone and they can easier access and takeover the vital institutions. They can swiftly take control of checkpoints, military barracks and government institutions within a few hours. Because, the Presidential Guards and others are on duty abroad with the President.

We shouldn’t be shocked if someone wanted to pull this off. As the President has imposed himself for over a decade and yet to give any succession or plan to leave office. He even plans for the election and to legitimize his further reign. That’s why you know there will be disgruntled officers, army commanders and soldiers within the ranks. As they only see a chosen elite and no one else is able to get a better life.

That’s what should worry Kiir and his allies. The prolonged agony will only galvanize others further. If there was a failed coup this weekend. That should be a memo that the SPLM-IG and the other stakeholders in the R-ARCSS and R-TGoNU needs to work fast. They need to reform and show service delivery to the public. If not… they can easily be here again and next time someone could succeed. Peace.

South Sudan: Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan – New Delhi-India – Public notification to South Sudanese residing in India (06.11.2023)

South Sudan: Joint Command Council (JCC) – Nimule’s Civilians Evacuation Order (15.10.2023)

South Sudan: Abyei Civil Society Organizations (ASCOs) – Abey Civil Society Condemnation of continous killing of civillian in Abyei (04.10.2023)

South Sudan: SPLM-IO – Press Statement on the Violation of the R-ARCSS by the SPLM-IG and its Allies in the passing of the National Election Act, 2012 (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (18.09.2023)

South Sudan: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Press Release (15.08.2023)

South Sudan: Transitional National Legislative Assembly – First Deputy Speaker Nathaniel Oyet Pierino – Press Release (12.08.2023)

South Sudan: President Salva Kiir Mayardit – Statement on Martyrs Day (30.07.2023)

South Sudan: Increased Food Insecurity in South Sudan Exacerbates Threats to the Lives of 3.1 Million Children in Urgent Need of Protection (27.07.2023)