S. Sudan opposition alliance back calls for unity gov’t formation

February 2, 2016 (JUBA) – An alliance of 18 South Sudanese political parties has warmly welcomed regional calls for the formation of the country’s Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) this week.

The 55th Extra-Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said on Sunday that various parties that were signatory to South Sudan’s August 2015 peace agreement, which ended 21 months of conflict, should form the TGoNU in the first week of February.

The regional foreign ministers, in statement extended to Sudan Tribune, said obstacles to South Sudan’s peace implementation process be negotiated afterwards.

“Although the National Alliance has been calling all along for the decision to create 28 states to be revoked, we believe that the compromise proposal by IGAD to suspend its operationalisation for a month is something we can live with in order to salvage the peace process,” said the alliance.

“We congratulate IGAD for reminding all of us to stick to the strict implementation of the Peace Agreement as this is the only way to end the suffering of our people and keep the country united,” its statement added.

The process to form the TGoNU hit a snag in after President Salva Kiir decree the formation of 28 states in October last year, contrary to provisions in the regional and internationally-backed peace agreement.

But IGAD said the South Sudanese government, the armed opposition-led by former vice president Riek Machar and other parties would discuss the stalemate “subsequent to the formation of the TGoNU at national level.”

The IGAD ministers said in the absence of agreement on the creation of new states, further action on implementing the operationalisation of new states until an inclusive, participatory National Boundary Commission comprising all Parties to ARCSS reviews proposed states and their boundaries, and that this review process occur, for a period of one month.

On Monday, however, President Kiir’s government welcomed the communiqué saying it was consistent with government’s position and the negotiations on the number of states will continue after forming TGoNU.

The national opposition alliance will nominate a minister to the 30 months interim government. Another minister allocated to the opposition parties will be selected by a separate opposition group allied to the government. SPLM-IO will name 10 ministers and President Kiir will name 16.

The former political detainees have already nominated two ministers for foreign affairs, transport as well as the deputy minister for foreign affairs.

(ST)