S. Sudan welcomes members of SPLM-IO advance team
December 21, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government received on Monday members of the armed opposition’s advance team, ending weeks of speculations on the group’s return several months after a peace deal to end the nation’s conflict was signed.
“The coming of the advance team of the SPLM-IO today marks the beginning of the implementation of the peace agreement as this reflects the commitment of parties to put an end to this senseless war and start a new and promising phase for this country and its people committed to the path of peace, justice, stability and national reconciliation”, Ateny told reporters Monday.
The country’s information and broadcasting minister, Michael Makuei said government welcomes members of the advance of the SPLM-IO and pledged commitment to embarking on implementation of the peace deal, which it signed with the opposition.
Hassan Ramadhan Laku, executive director in the office of armed opposition leader Riek Machar, said their coming to Juba demonstrates seriousness to end the ongoing conflict.
“I want to assure the people of South Sudan that we start today the implementation of the agreement. That is why we are here now,” he told reporters in the South Sudanese capital.
Akol Paul Kordit, a representative of the South Sudanese government, said the two warring factions were now implementing the peace agreement to the letter and spirit.
“You are welcome home and you are welcome to your capital Juba,” said Kordit.
“As a government, we are happy to receive you and I want to register our determination to end the war in our country and start development in the war affected areas,” he added.
At least 150 SPLM-IO members were expected in the South Sudanese capital on Monday. Both the SPLM-IO and government said the 135 members would arrive from Gambella, Ethiopia.
(ST)