South Sudan president calls on armed opposition to denounce violence

April 1, 2017 (JUBA)- South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Saturday called on all ethnic groups in the country to join hands with his administration and work for peace without discrimination, declaring that the dialogue process is open to rebel groups if they renounce violence.

In remarks delivered during a meeting with some of the Jieng (Dinka) Council of elders, Kiir said all ethnic groups should come together and work hard for the cessation of mistrust and misunderstanding, using all kinds of methods for the emergence of a genuine democratic republic and seeking for genuine and durable peace.

The president further said he has been receiving calls from different leaders in the region about the need to ensure the national dialogue is inclusive.

“People are calling from countries in the region to appreciate the dialogue which we have declared but they are saying it should be inclusive. I told them that this is a national dialogue and it is opened to the participation of all South Sudanese,” he said.

He further stressed the rebels are welcome in this political process when they renounce violence.

“The groups we don’t want are those who have refused to denounce violence and continue to use a pressure tool but if they accept to denounce violence, they are welcome. They are south Sudanese and the issues we are going to discuss are issues which concern all of us as South Sudan. So it will be transparent and inclusive”, said President Kiir.

Also, regional and international leaders recently have called on the President kiir to create a conducive environment for the dialogue process starting by a unilateral declaration of ceasefire.

Kiir called on ethnic groups to take part in the national dialogue to discuss and seek a solution to achieve a national reconciliation and peace, noting that the country’s development has lagged behind by several decades due to armed conflicts.

The south Sudanese leader recalled that the country did not fully enjoy the fruits of independence due to armed conflicts as the results of mistrust and misunderstanding among ethnic groups.

“In the struggle for independence, people from all walks and background fought together to gain independence. We did not see ourselves as tribes. Where did get this?”.

“These are some of the things you need to work together with the government so that we identify them and find a way to resolve them. And this was we intend to do through national dialogue. It will be an opportunity to discuss issues we as south Sudanese feel we need to find a solution to them”, Kiir added.

(ST)