The South Sudanese community in Manitoba held a rally in Winnipeg to protest violence and demand justice for their homeland. They expressed concerns over recent conflicts and government actions that have endangered peace. Community members called for greater Canadian government involvement and emphasized the need for both international support and local unity in achieving stability in South Sudan.
The South Sudanese community in Manitoba recently organized a rally in Winnipeg to express their devastation over violence in their home country. They gathered at the Manitoba legislature to remember those who have been killed by the government of South Sudan. Martino Laku, a community member, articulated the heartbreak felt, saying that after struggling for over 25 years to achieve independence, the current turmoil is profoundly distressing.
Laku emphasized the ongoing danger, explaining that while violence currently affects certain regions, it poses a threat to the entire nation, reflecting how conflict may escalate unexpectedly. The recent airstrike by South Sudan’s airforce, which resulted in at least 19 fatalities in March, has heightened concerns that the nation could revert to widespread conflict. The UN peacekeeping mission has indicated that tensions are rising following the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar, who has been accused of instigating rebellion.
The community feels an urgent plea for justice as the civil strife—previously between forces supporting Machar and those aligned with President Salva Kiir—has already claimed numerous lives, leading to a fragile peace agreement. Voices from the rally echoed their distress; Souka Lofoni expressed sadness over the deaths and displacement of civilians at the hands of their own government and foreign interventions. Lofoni condemned the ongoing violence, highlighting the involvement of other nations.
There are aspirations for greater awareness regarding the situation in South Sudan. Rally organizer Peter Jack stated that Uganda’s involvement raises concerns about the jeopardization of peace efforts. Participants called on the Canadian government to actively respond to the crisis, drawing parallels with the international reactions observed in other conflicts worldwide.
The community advocates not only for international support but also stresses the importance of self-determination and national unity in achieving lasting peace, as Laku stated, emphasizing the need for commitment to development for a better future in South Sudan.
The South Sudanese community in Manitoba is rallying to raise awareness of the violent situation unfolding in their home nation. They seek justice and a stronger Canadian governmental response to the crisis, emphasizing both international and domestic efforts needed to foster peace. The community underscores the importance of self-determination and unity among South Sudanese in creating a path toward stability and rebuilding their country.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
