I sincerely believe that whether Regional Protection Force as agreed in the recent IGAD Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia or International Intervention Forces coming to South Sudan is all the same and have no different. It is international as long the said country contributing troops is outside the international borders of the Republic of South Sudan.

It is a great and welcoming development to learn of the Government of South Sudan’s acceptance of the Regional Protection Force. I would think that the protection forces that will be coming to South Sudan are going to be neutral and not support one side of the rivaling parties, the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement – In Government or the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement – In Opposition. The attempt by the protection forces to be partial would lead the country into more chaotic scenario than what it is today.

The common citizens of South Sudan continue to be victims  of the tribal politics that is taking the country down to trash. They remain to be vulnerable to the developing situations that is too unbearable to them. Approval of the protection force by the Regional Leaders is seen as a call answered to protect their freedom. A freedom to tilt the land to bring food on the table, a freedom to move freely and make petty business group,  and a freedom to ensure delivery of basic services to the people.

I would recommend the following to the command of the incoming Regional Protection Force:

1. The protection force must stay away from the political ambitions of the rivaling parties to maintain their neutrality to impact lives of the vulnerable citizens in need.
2. They should contribute to building the capacity of the South Sudan Armed Forces to ensure continuity in providing protection and safeguarding the sovereignty of the country.
3. They should put the interest of the people of South Sudan rather than the interest of their contributing countries to avoid confrontation with the patriotic citizens who who are hardcore protectors of the sovereignty.
4. They should not interfere in exploiting or destroying natural resources that God has given South Sudan

The above recommendations are few of my opinion piece that I see most important to be observed by regional intervention forces if they are to succeed in their mandate in South Sudan.

My country will always have an open hand to welcome people of good will who are willing to bring long lasting peace back to the Country. We acknowledge the commitment and support of our friends in the region and internationally.