South Sudanese parallel talks in Tanzania wraps up with no deal
December 24, 2014 (JUBA) -The parallel reconciliatory and unity talks among the three factions of South Sudan’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), convened last week in the Tanzania town of Arusha, ended on Wednesday without significant progress.
On 22 October 2014, the SPLM in government, SPLM in opposition and SPLM of 10 former detainees signed a roadmap agreement under the auspices of the Tanzanian ruling party, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which shall guide further negotiations in an attempt to reunite the divided historical movement.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Wednesday from Arusha, Tanzania, the deputy speaker of the national assembly, Mark Nyipuoc, who is also a member of the SPLM-in government delegation said that the first session of Arusha II intra-SPLM Dialogue ended without a significant progress but said two sides have promised to resume discussions on January 5, 2015.
Nonetheless, Nyipuoc said he believes that intraparty dialogue would play a positive impact on the general peace talks taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Arucha separate is from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), process which aims to end the inter South Sudanese conflict which erupted in December 2013.
Daniel Awet Akot, a senior member of the SPLM in government led a delegation comprising the deputy speaker of the national assembly, Mark Nyipuoc, Akol Paul Kordit, head of young wing of the faction and others.
A delegation representing the SPLM-in opposition faction chaired by the former vice-president, Riek Machar, was led by General Taban Deng Gai. The former political detainees were also invited.
Juba delegation arrived to the Tanzanian capital, Dodoma on December 19 and held preparatory talks with the Tanzania president, Jakaya Kikwete, on Saturday 20.
The agenda of the meeting was not clear, although sources said it was meant for brainstorming and take stock on the previous minutes and similar engagement with the Ugandan and South African authorities, following president Salva Kiir’s visit to both countries where he held talks with party and government officials.
(ST)