S. Sudan’s Kiir, Machar discuss outstanding peace deal issues

August 12, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir his first deputy in the coalition government, Riek Machar met and discussed ways of addressing the current pending issues in the revitalised peace agreement.

The two leaders, the state-owned television (SSBC) reported on Thursday, also discussed the participation of other political parties in the governance structure of the three Administrative Areas and reached a consensus.

“They also deliberated the issue of security bill, whether the national security is supposed to have the power of arrest or not and the President and the First Vice President referred the matter to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for further consultation so that appropriate decision is made”, partly noted a statement reads on the SSBC.

Kiir and the armed opposition leader also discussed the relations between the Dinka Ngok and Twic communities over border disputes and agreed to form a national neutral committee that will amicably address the matter.

“They also discussed the issue of the withdrawal of the SPLM-IO [Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition] parliamentary caucus and agreed to resolve the contentious issue through the parliament by the Speaker of TNLA [Transitional National Legislative Assembly],” SSBC noted.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Presidential Affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin described the meeting as “harmonious” and “cooperative”, as both leaders committed to implement the peace deal.

Observers have always been quick and keen to point out and describe the relations between the two leaders as “uneasy and unpredictable” to take what they say in the public as a demonstration of commitment. Also, they say, attitudes and personal perceptions of each other always played a negative role in fostering and building trust and confidence in demonstrating full commitment towards the peace accord.

(ST)