In my considered opinion, Hon. Pagan Amum, former SPLM Secretary General, and Gen. Thomas Cirilo should accept president Kiir’s quest for reconciliation and have them come home to be part of transforming South Sudan.
It is human for leaders to differ politically, ideologically, and principally.
It is also human for leaders to have divergent viewpoints, but it is more human and godlier for leaders to Let Go of the Hurts and Disappointments of yesterday, reconcile, forgive and chart new pathways.
President Kiir did it this week when he called on Pagan and Thomas to come back home during the two years Extension announcement
Forgiving each other is human and biblical. You know that if you’re a Christ-like or a follower of Jesus Christ or a consumer of the biblical teachings.
President Kiir and 1st Vice president Dr. Machar and other leaders who were yesterday described as ‘bitter rivals’ by international media are serving in the same government now.
Why? Because they have let go of their pasts for peace’s sake. They have agreed to forgive each other and put the country and people first.
At no time have I read in the media whether locally, regionally, or internationally Pagan and Thomas being described as ‘bitter rivals. NONE!
Forgiveness isn’t a sign of weakness, NO. It actually signifies strength and the ability to overcome your ego and let love lead your decisions and actions.
President Kiir has demonstrated that for years now. He has forgiven his competitors when he is in a position of strength and power. He often welcomed back his political competitors and worked with them smoothly.
Comrade Pagan has worked very well with president Kiir in the SPLM.
Both leaders worked well for the unity of SPLM and the sustainability of SPLM after the untimely and unfortunate death of our leader Dr. John Garang.
As I journalist, I covered their joint press conference at the time in Nairobi before they moved to Newsite in Eastern Equatoria state.
So, they are comrades and liberators and not enemies. They are historical or legendary liberators and defenders of South Sudanese during the liberation struggle. That fact can’t be re-edited and it is in the records if not in books and then you can find them in songs.
Both leaders did well during the first Sudanese elections, they worked well during the referendum and they worked well during the independence of South Sudan.
Both leaders are founding leaders of SPLM/A.
Furthermore, age is catching up with them. And with aging comes many challenges including health challenges.
For one to overcome those challenges, you need to operate and live in your own country and mentor new crop of leaders,
That’s why our leaders need to reconcile and work together. There is no problem bigger than the human mind.
The time is now. SG Pagan and Thomas should seek an audience with the president and chart a new path for this country.
