This archive report was first published on 20 December 2019.
December 20, 2019 - In a bid to end over five years of civil strife, President Salva Kiir and ex-rebel leader Riek Machar have vowed to form a transitional government of national unity by mid-February 2020.
South Sudanese citizens, including David Manyang from Jonglei region, are hopeful about the country's future. Manyang, who had allowed his family to return home from Kampala, Uganda, to spend the festive season, expressed confidence in the new development.
"Following the recent face-to-face meeting between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar, we are confident there will be no more chaos in the country," Manyang said.
Manyang's sentiment was echoed by Juma Peter, a Juba resident, who noted that the presence of the two arch-rivals in the capital at this time is very encouraging in terms of confidence-building.
According to Peter, the absence of security advisories from foreign embassies warning their citizens is a positive sign. He observed that people are not going out as much as they did last year, indicating a sense of security.
Resident Sara Subandrio hailed the reconciliation efforts spearheaded by President Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar, saying it will bring lasting peace, stability, and cohesion in South Sudan.
