South Sudan speaker calls for compromise over sticking points in agreement
January 14, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese speaker of national parliament, Manasseh Magok Rundial, has called on the parties to the August 2015 peace deal to make new compromises in order to move the country forward with the implementation of peace agreement.
Rundial argued that the issue of 28 states which is one of the contentious and the most sticking point in the constitutional amendment discussion between the parties could be resolved amicably.
“The issue of states and security arrangements cannot hold the agreement from being implemented. The government is ready to do its part. The other people (parties) should also demonstrate willingness and move forward. Our people, this needs to stop. Yes, I understand there are concerns with the creation of more states but this must not be an obstacle to peace and stability,” said Rundial.
The top legislator also called for the return of the armed opposition leader, Riek Machar, to Juba and to form a transitional government with president Salva Kiir although the constitutional amendment is not completed and forces are not deployed in the capital, Juba, per the security arrangements.
“Riek should come. He needs to show that he stands for peace, for unity, reconciliation, national healing and peaceful coexistence of our people and the country. The things that which have not been resolved can be discussed when the government is formed as other things are being implemented,” he added.
Rundial whose parliament endorsed the controversial 28 states in what the other parties said was a clear violation of the peace agreement, which is based on 10 states, did not offer a suggestion on how to “amicably” resolve the issue of the states.
The opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) however said their leader will not return to Juba until the constitutional amendment is completed on the basis of which to form the government.
The SPLM-IO also said the security arrangements will have to be implemented first including demilitarization of Juba and deployment of the joint police and military forces as provided for in the peace agreement before Machar could return.
The opposition, they said, is committed to a speedy implementation of the peace agreement, but added that this should be done in a “correct manner” in accordance with the provisions of the peace deal.
Due to the delays in the implementation of the required provisions, a transitional government of national unity may not be formed until the month of February, they said.
(ST)