Museveni urges South Sudan factions to continue dialogue

By Vison Reporter

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni returned to Uganda from Juba where he spent Wednesday in celebrations marking the 3rd anniversary of South Sudan’s independence.

South Sudan attained independence from its northern neighbor, the Sudan on 9th July 2011.

The Republic of South Sudan with a population of nearly 11 million is the newest nation on the African continent.

Addressing the people of South Sudan at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, President Museveni urged the warring parties in the country to stick to the Addis Ababa Accord that is supported by IGAD.

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Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) commandos demonstrate their fighting skills during the celebrations. AFP Photo

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Men put on a short theatrical performance promoting unity in South Sudan and hope for a peaceful future in the war torn nation during the celebrations. AFP Photo

He said the Accord will provide an avenue for the 2 parties to continue dialogue so that the people of South Sudan learn to find solutions to their challenges.

He said that a lot of achievements have been registered in the 3 years of South Sudan’s independence adding that independence is irreversible.

The President reiterated Uganda’s commitment to continued solidarity with the people of South Sudan.

On his part, President Salva Kiir dismissed calls for the UPDF to leave South Sudan saying that had it not been for the UPDF, millions of people in his country would have died and a lot of property would have been destroyed.

He extended an amnesty to those fighting his forces.