South Sudanese opposition leader to send advance team to Juba soon
November 6, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese armed opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) has resolved to send hundreds of its members to Juba as an advance team to the nation’s capital in implementing the peace agreement signed in August with the government, media official has announced.
“National Liberation Council (NLC) of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) has resolved to dispatch to Juba an advance team of 500 cadres to be led by senior officials,” James Gatdet Dak said in a statement issued on Friday and extended to Sudan Tribune.
He said the decision was reached on Friday during the meeting of the NLC in Pagak, the general headquarters of the SPLM-IO.
“Our Chairman and Commander-in-Chief, Dr Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, within days will form a committee with selected membership to travel to Juba in 10 days if the necessary logistics will be availed,” he said.
He said other arrangements including protection of the team on the ground will be made prior to their return to the capital.
He explained that the decision by the highest legislative body of the opposition movement indicated their seriousness to implement the peace deal without any delay.
He further revealed that the team will include political leaders, members to bodies set up under the peace agreement, representatives of the women and youth groups as well as church leaders
Dak however said the team will be on the ground in Juba and in the other nine states of the country to implement the peace agreement based on the current 10 states, adding that it was time for the government to revoke the presidential order which “illegally” created 28 states in violation of the peace agreement.
“Our leadership is committed to the full implementation of the peace agreement. The government should reciprocate. President Salva Kiir is expected to revoke his order of 28 states which violates the peace agreement. Our advance team should find conducive environment for the implementation of the peace agreement without obstacles,” he added.
He said they should not expect to be delayed by illegal actions from the government, saying only through the mechanisms provided for in the peace accord that amendments shall be made in the constitution.
A transitional government of national unity, he said, is expected to be formed between 15 December 2015 and 15 January 2016, depending on the progress made in the initial phases of the implementation.
MACHAR NOT RETURNING SOON
Dak refuted rumours that the opposition leader, Machar, will return to Juba for a one-day visit, saying the reported claim was not true. He however said he will return by January to form the transitional government of national unity.
The opposition top leader, Machar, is expected to return to Juba as first vice-president to form a new coalition government with President Kiir when other political, security and logistical challenges are resolved, he said.
The advance team, he said, will make necessary arrangements for his reception when all the necessary provisions are implemented during the end of 90 days of the pre-transitional period.
(ST)