Kiir lashes out at Red Card Movement

Juba, May 16, 2019 (SSNA) — South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, has lashed out at a South Sudanese movement which describes itself as the “Red Card Movement.” The criticism comes on Wednesday – the same day a planned demonstration against his government was to take place in Juba.

“Violent attempts to usurp power from the people would be met with violent resistance and the cycle of violence cannot end. The way to stability in South Sudan is through democracy and democratic elections, and this is what we fought for and we will not compromise it,” Kiir told a handful of journalists in Juba.

Kiir’s criticism against the group is triggered by a publicized campaign to oust him from power through demonstrations. The movement is widely believed in the country as South Sudanese youths who want to topple Kiir sing demonstrations as a mean to remove him from power. The group’s logo is a distinctive red card with May 16, 2019 on it.

The movement outraged Kiir and his government officials with information minister Micheal Makuey who last week criticized the planned demonstrations. Micheal also asserted that only those who want to die should participate in the Red Card Movement’s planned demonstrations.

The group forced the government to deploy troops and security agents in and around Juba including the Freedom Square.

The South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) was told by a senior government official that Kiir ordered the recent dismissal of at least 40 diplomates for allegedly working with the Red Card Movement and foreign government to remove him.