FILE PHOTO: Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, SPLM Secretary General - Credit: PPU

The Secretary General of the SPLM, Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, told mourners on Monday that South Sudan will fail as a nation if communities continue to arm themselves for protection.

Speaking during funeral prayers for the victims of the Khor Kaltan attack on Monday, Dr. Kordit stated that widespread communal armament threatens the foundation of the nation.

He noted that if every community across South Sudan relies on its own guns for safety, the goals of the 21-year liberation struggle will be lost.

Dr. Kordit emphasized that no single region or town can prosper in isolation. He stressed that the greatness of places like Rumbek, Yambio, and Nasir depends on their connection to the rest of the country.

“If we have a situation where young people from every community carry guns to protect themselves, then our struggle for 21 years will be in vain,” Dr. Kordit said. “There will be no country. We will have no nation.”

The Secretary General called on the government to fulfill its mandate by protecting citizens and ensuring justice for victims of violence.

He stated that the authorities must identify and prosecute those responsible for the killings at Khor Kaltan to prevent further cycles of revenge. “The government must take full responsibility and bring to book those who carried out this act,” he added.

The funeral service, held at Medan Silik on Monday, April 6, brought together community members and leaders to honor those killed and to demand better security measures from the state.