S. Sudan’s national dialogue leaders pledge “inclusivity”
May 23, 2017 (JUBA) – On Monday, the leaders steering South Sudan’s National Dialogue were inaugurated in Juba and pledged to include all stakeholders in the process. This statement was in direct contradiction of President Salva Kiir’s stance to exclude Riek Machar the rebel leader.
Abel Alier Kuai, former Southern Sudanese Executive President and co-chairperson of the National Dialogue said in his speech during the swearing-in ceremony that the dialogue meant “converging rival.”
“I would like to assure all the people of South Sudan that my team, given political capital from the leadership, will ensure inclusivity, integrity and transparency of the National Dialogue process,” said Alier.
He added that his team would “consult with all the major stakeholders inside and outside the country” to generate the agenda and how to go on about crafting the dialogue process. The co-chairperson said that there would be multiple forums organised to ensure that all the constituencies in the country were included.
Speaking at the same event, Angelo Beda, the National Dialogue co-chair said the dialogue “means talking to someone or an opponent.”
“If you are talking to yourself, then this not dialogue,” added Beda, who contradicted President Kiir’s who insisted on excluding Machar from the dialogue.
On Monday, President Kiir said that his former First Vice President and leader of the armed Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) Riek Machar should not be part of the process.
“Everybody is welcome to participate in the National Dialogue except Riek Machar,” said the President, who added that the rebel leader, who is currently exiled in South Africa, was free to send delegates whose safety would be guaranteed.
President Kiir announced the National Dialogue in December 2016 but delayed to commerce over the inclusivity of opposition politicians. The reconstituted committee excludes leaders of the armed South Sudanese opposition.
However, Beda said their mandate was clear and that all South Sudanese would be involved in the process.
“Our overarching goal is to build a consensus and a base for the unity of the people of South Sudan, end the violence and conflict in the country. We want to deliver peace, stability and have a conducive environment for a free, fair and credible election,” said the co-chair, speaking at the same event that was attended by President Kiir and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni.
It is not clear if President Salve Kiir will grant the participation of his bitter political rival Riek Machar in the National Dialogue.
(ST)