Rubkona County, Unity State – May 11, 2025
“Let no one think that peace is collapsing because of this,” Gai told residents of Rubkona County. “The peace agreement is holding because it was signed to end war. The arrest of an individual like Dr. Riek Machar is an issue for the law. It is the law that will determine whether he has committed a crime or not.”
Dr. Machar, who leads the SPLM-IO faction, was placed under house arrest by President Salva Kiir following allegations of involvement in violent incidents in Nasir County. The move has sparked concerns of renewed instability, particularly among communities in Unity State, Machar’s political base.
Taban Deng, who was appointed Vice President in 2020 under the power-sharing agreement that ended South Sudan’s five-year civil war, reiterated the government’s commitment to development and unity.
“Our president has made a clear pledge: We must not see war again,” he told the crowd. “The next war should be against underdevelopment, illiteracy, disease, and hunger. That is a noble call we must all embrace.”
During meetings in Rubkona and Guit Counties, Gai urged the Bul, Leek, and Jikany Nuer communities to resolve land disputes and historical grievances through legal institutions, reaffirming the 1956 boundary demarcations.
“Our local borders remain as of 1956,” he said. “If anyone believes their land is being encroached upon, they should follow legal means instead of promoting hate.”
He also warned that some politicians are stoking ethnic tensions for personal gain and called on communities to remain vigilant.
“These politicians are on both sides, and you must reject their divisive politics,” Gai said.
In response, Paramount Chief Chiloak Puok of the Leek Nuer community welcomed the message of peace but called on the government to ensure equal service delivery.
“Tell [President Kiir] he is the president of all tribes in South Sudan,” said Chief Puok. “We will support him in pursuit of peace, but services must flow equally to all areas.”
The visit is part of a broader push by the presidency to calm rising tensions and reassure the public of the government’s commitment to the peace process, despite the political challenges posed by Dr. Machar’s detention.
