Hon. Isaiah Hakim Garang, the Whip of SPLM – Former Political Detainees speaking to the media in Juba on 7th of September, 2026. Photo Credit: Emmanuel Kayanga

By Emmanuel Kayanga | Juba | 7th – September, 2026

The SPLM-Former Detainees have condemned remarks made by Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior during the funeral service of the late Hon. Kosti Manibe Ngai on August 21st in Juba.

In a press release issued today, and read by Hon. Isaiah Hakim Garang, the Whip of the SPLM-FD and Member of Reconstituted High Level Ad-hoc Committee for the implementation of R-ARCSS extended condolences to the family of the late Hon. Kosti Manibe Ngai but expressed concern over the Vice President’s statement during the funeral in which she blamed the country’s leadership and called on youth to rise up and fight for their rights.

While addressing mourners at All Saints Cathedral last month in Juba during funeral of late. Kosti, Vice President Nyandeng who is also member of Former Political Detainees, described some youth as “coward who hide their tails between their legs”. She further clarified that she was not asking the youth to carry guns, but emphasized that speaking the truth is stronger and more powerful than a gun.

“You the youth who are cowards who hide their tails between their legs, always complaining. Who is going to fight for you? The truth is stronger than the gun,” said Vice President Nyandeng during the funeral of Late. Kosti Manibe.

In response, the SPLM-FD whip said while they respect her right to express views, notes that such statements made in a sacred space risk undermining peace, stability, and national cohesion at a time when the country is working to heal from years of conflict.

“Mama Rebecca openly blamed the leadership of the country and went further to call upon the youth to rise up and fight for their rights,” said Hon. Isaiah

The SPLM-FDs stressed that South Sudan’s challenges should be addressed through dialogue, reconciliation, and constructive engagement, not rhetoric that may sow division or provoke unrest. The group said youth deserve empowerment through education, employment, and inclusion in governance.

“We strongly condemn such statements and it does not represents our position as the SPLM-FDs. Calls that may incite confrontation or encourage youth to take to the streets risk undermining peace, stability, and national cohesion at a time when our country is striving to heal from years of conflict,” added Hon. Isaiah.

The SPLM-FDs Whip is urging all leaders, regardless of position to use their various platforms responsibly and to promote unity, peace, and reconciliation ahead of the December Elections.

The SPLM-FDs reaffirmed support for President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Government of National Unity, and their commitment to peaceful elections scheduled for December 22nd, 2026.

The Office of the Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng could not be reached for comment at the time of the publication.