Kiir approves negotiation with armed opposition in Wau

August 21, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has approved Wau state governor Andrea Mayar Achor’s move to form committee seeking peace talks with armed dissidents in the area in order to restore calm and stability within the region.

Achor, who met Kiir on Sunday, said the approval of his initiative was an important step in finding a solution to the political and security matters in the area.

“I will be returning to the state soon. I came for an official visit to the president and my meeting with him and the leadership has been successful. We discussed administrative matters and the role of the state governments in implementation of peace agreement,” said Achor.

He added, “We also came for guidance and other directives from the president and the entire leadership of the SPLM. My discussions with all the concerned institutions were successful. The president has approved dialogue with those who have taken up arms in the state. We know from them what their grievances are and how such issues can be addressed”.

According to the governor, several committees have been formed and have agreed to form a new and more inclusive body to guide the diverse and divided groups ahead the planned talks aimed at ending the unrest.

The formation of such a body was seen as a prerequisite for the peace talks, and appeared to fit the objective pulling together political dissidents who have long distrusted one another as well as armed youth fighting the South Sudanese army (SPLA).

(ST)