16/09/2024
16th September 2024
Head of Central Security Division
Internal Security Bureau
National Security Service
Juba, South Sudan
Subject: Request for Permission to Hold Peaceful Weekly Demonstrations Against the Unilateral Extension of the R-ARCSS
Dear Sir,
I write to you on behalf of the Common Peoples Alliance (CPA), a political party firmly committed to representing the interests of the people of South Sudan. As a party dedicated to transparency, justice, and the empowerment of citizens, we believe that the people of South Sudan deserve to be active participants in decisions that affect their future, particularly in matters concerning the peace process and governance of our nation.
The recent unilateral extension of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), made without broad public consultation or the involvement of political parties, civil society, and regional and international partners, has raised significant concerns. As a political party that upholds democratic values, we believe that this decision undermines the legitimacy of the Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and excludes the people of South Sudan from having their rightful say in shaping the future of the nation.
As enshrined in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (2011, as amended), Article 25 guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, and this right is further supported by international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Peaceful protest is a legitimate form of expression in a democratic society, and we must ensure this right is exercised lawfully.
In this regard, we request permission from your esteemed office to hold peaceful weekly demonstrations every Friday, starting on the 20th of September 2024, until the following demands are addressed:
1. Inclusive Public Consultation on R-ARCSS: We demand that the decision to extend the R-ARCSS undergo proper consultation involving political parties, civil society, peace guarantors, and relevant stakeholders. The extension must represent the people's will, not a unilateral decision.
2. Limitation of the Extension to 12 Months: The CPA calls for any extension of the R-ARCSS to be limited to 12 months, beginning February 2025. The period from October 2024 to January 2025 must be used as a pre-transitional period to finalize key initiatives such as the Tumaini Initiative and conduct dialogue with political and armed groups within and outside the country, to draw up a clear matrix for implementation and build peace and confidence among all parties and stakeholders.
3. Economic Stability and Payment of Salaries: We demand that the government take immediate steps to address the economic situation and ensure the payment of overdue salaries to public servants, security forces, and other government employees. The lack of regular salary payments is worsening the hardships faced by citizens.
4. Address Corruption and Hold Offenders Accountable: Corruption is undermining peace and development in South Sudan. We demand that the government take firm action to address corruption, bring offenders to justice, and ensure transparency in public financial management.
5. Improvement in Security and Stability: Insecurity remains a pressing issue across the country. We demand urgent measures to improve security and travel safety, especially in regions where instability continues to disrupt daily life. The government must stop attributing the lack of progress to insecurity and focus on creating the conditions for stability and peace.
6. Protection of South Sudan’s Territorial Integrity: We demand that the government address the issue of neighboring countries encroaching on South Sudan’s borders and take steps to protect the territorial integrity of our nation.
7. Engagement with Regional and International Partners: The CPA demands that the government re-engage with regional organizations such as R-JMEC, and IGAD, and international stakeholders like the African Union, United Nations, and Troika, to ensure a transparent and credible peace process.
8. Basic Infrastructure and Services: We call on the government to make concrete efforts to improve basic infrastructure and essential services such as healthcare, education, and access to clean water for all citizens.
9. Timely and Credible Elections: The CPA demands the establishment of a clear and transparent timetable for free, fair, and inclusive national elections. The extension of the R-ARCSS must not be a reason to delay elections indefinitely.
10. Freedom of Expression and Political Participation: We demand that the government respect the rights of all citizens to participate in political processes, express their views, and assemble peacefully without fear of harassment or intimidation.
Additionally, we kindly request that the National Security Service designate two suitable venues in Juba where these peaceful demonstrations can be held each week, starting on the 20th of September 2024. This will allow for proper planning and ensure that the demonstrations remain orderly and compliant with public safety requirements.
The Common Peoples Alliance is fully committed to ensuring that these demonstrations are peaceful, lawful, and conducted in accordance with South Sudan's legal and constitutional frameworks. We believe in the power of peaceful expression as a way to make the government accountable to its citizens and to ensure that the country’s governance is inclusive and transparent.
We trust that your office will consider our request favorably and support our right to peaceful assembly in pursuit of a just and equitable solution for the people of South Sudan.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Deng Bol Aruai Bol
Chairman,
Common Peoples Alliance (CPA)
Juba, South Sudan
