S. Sudan rebels deny holding separate talks with government
April 23, 2015 (KAMPALA) – South Sudanese rebels have dismissed claims that they initiated separate talks with a pro-government group, despite the ongoing peace talks mediated by regional leaders.
However, the rebel spokesperson for Upper Nile region, Captain Paul Malieth Koang described the claims as false, saying it was initiated by loyalists to the Juba regime.
“This is not true. It is only propaganda which was aired by pro-government loyalists to moralise their forces after they failed to control the crisis in South Sudan,” said Koang.
He reiterated the armed opposition’s commitment to the talks mediated by the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) African regional bloc (IGAD), stressing that the rebels have no intention of joining the “genocidal” regime in Juba.
“We cannot initiate peace with genocidal government without consent of our high command and leadership council,” Koang told Sudan Tribune by satellite phone.
According the to the rebel official, the armed opposition will only join the government if both warring parties reach a meaningful agreement in the ongoing peace negotiations.
Talks between South Sudan’s warring party leaders hit a deadlock last month, prompting the mediators to initiate the IGAD-Plus arrangement involving the troika countries (Norway, United States and Britain), the African Union and United Nations.
It is not yet clear when both parties will resume the next round of negotiations.
(ST)