S. Sudan president commits to Rome talks with holdout groups
July 12, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is committed to achieving a peaceful settlement with holdout opposition groups, an official said.
The country’s Presidential Affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin said the South Sudanese leader’s commitment follows recent consultations held in Rome, Italy.
The minister also affirmed President Kiir’s unwavering pursuit of peace, emphasizing that the government has been actively inviting all opposition groups to partake in the implementation process of the revitalized peace agreement.
“We were recently in Rome for consultative talks. This clearly demonstrates the commitment to reaching a peaceful settlement with this group,” he explained.
Marial praised the role played by the Saint Egidio community, citing its complementarity to government’s efforts in achieving lasting stability and prosperity.
He said the president and the Transitional Government of National Unity recognize the significance of addressing the concerns and grievances of all stakeholders.
Marial emphasized government’s commitment to establish frameworks for lasting peace, security, and development through active engagement in the talks.
The minister also explained that the recent consultative peace talks in Rome provide a crucial opportunity to address critical issues such as power-sharing, security sector reform, governance, and the equitable distribution of resources.
Furthermore, Marial underscored President Kiir’s vision to lay the foundation for sustainable peace, create an enabling environment for social progress and economic growth, and prioritize the well-being of the South Sudanese people.
During a speech on the occasion commemorating the country’s 12th independence anniversary, Kiir reiterated his dedication to the Rome peace process as a means to establish stable and inclusive governance in the country.
“To brothers in the non-signatory opposition groups, I would like to reiterate that the government is committed to the Rome talks,” he said, without elaborating on government’s specific plans to conclude a peaceful dialogue with these groups.
Analysts, however, argue that commitment shown by President Kiir and the South Sudanese government towards the Rome talks reflects their determination to pursue a peaceful resolution and foster a brighter future for the young nation.
Negotiations between both sides began in 2019, but have failed to end violence in some parts of the country, despite a ceasefire that was signed in January 2020.
(ST)