In preparation for the 2024 general election, President Salva Kiir has ramped up his political support base by sealing a deal with the three traditional kings of South Sudan.
It was gathered that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has been active with grassroots political mobilisation since the year began and has lately employed a paradigmatic shift with attention turning to the existing kingdoms in South Sudan.
During the royal honoring of President Salva Kiir, organized by the Chollo Kingdom in Juba on Saturday, the three traditional kings of the Chollo, Anyuak, and Azande pledged to stand with President Kiir in the upcoming elections.
His Majesty Kwongo Dak Padiet, the King of Chollo Kingdom to rally support for him in the upcoming elections.
“He will remain blessed in his seat, and hopefully, he will stay with me until the coming election (2024),” King Kwongo said.
The president also received endorsements from Anyuaka and Azande Kingdoms.
Anyuak King, Akwei Agada Akei, said all of the kingdoms would continue to work hand in hand with Kiir to ensure that peace came to the country,” King Akei said when he joined other leaders at a public ceremony organised by Chollo Kingdom to honour President Kiir for saving the life of their king.
“This will mark the existence of peace and social existence; your excellency, we shall support your leadership and the government,” King Akwei promised.
King said Anyauk people would continue to rally behind the president to ensure that peace and development prevail in the country.
“We need peace; our children to go to school; IDPs and refugees to return home; let us stop fighting for our women to take a rest,” he said.
Prince Daniel Rimbasa who spoke on behalf of King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue of Azande Kingdom appreciated Kiir for restoring their monarch.
“The Azande Kingdom, the Anyuak Kingdom, and the Chollo Kingdom will support you and are really behind you,” he said.
South Sudan is expected to have its election in December 2024 ahead of the completion of the transitional period under the roadmap.
Kiir accepted the assurance from the Kings and promised to bring sustainable peace to the country.
“My government is ready to partner with you not just to achieve peace, but to work together indefinitely to our people’s aspirations,” Kiir said.
