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Yei government signs peace deal with armed group in Kampala

YEI (22 Mar.)

Authorities in Yei River State reached a peace deal with an armed group
affiliated to South Sudan’s main opposition faction led by former first
vice president Riek Machar in Uganda’s capital, Kampala on 6 March.

The deal was brokered by Evangelical Presbyterian Bishop Elias Taban with
support from the US-based organization His Voice Global.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Bishop Elias said the armed group which is based
in Morobo and the state government agreed to bring about peace and
stability through dialogue so as to end the ongoing war and pave the way
for development in the state.“We are South Sudanese and it is a shame for
us when we agreed to separate from the Khartoum government in 2011.
However, we have agreed with both the state government and the armed
opposition group that it is useless to continue fighting, but lay down the
arms because they have seen the suffering of our people in the camps,” he
said.

In a 12-page document, the armed group demanded equal representation in the
national army, justice, rule of law, establishment of schools, health
facilities and equal employment opportunities in both the private and
government sectors.

The religious leader pointed out that the signed peace deal is a sign of
the beginning of a grassroots national dialogue process in Yei River
state.He called on the warring parties to cease hostilities, allow free
movement of citizens and use the opportunity of the national dialogue to
restore peace and stability in the country.Taban urged the international
community and peace monitors to deliver humanitarian assistance to the
conflict-affected population.

For his part, Col. John Data, the leader of the SPLA-IO group that signed
the peace deal, said they agreed to implement the signed peace agreement.He
urged the government to stop the ongoing conflict and implement the peace
agreement. “We need to stop the war, protect our land and protect our
citizens. We did not go to the bush for anything, but we need peace and
equality so that we can live as brothers and sisters in South Sudan,” he
said.

Meanwhile, The Governor of Yei River State, David Lokonga Moses, said he
directed all organized forces in the state to cease hostilities, open up
all roads and allow free movement of people.“What we really need in Yei
River state is peace and not war. We are ready to implement what has been
agreed upon in Kampala in the peace document,” he said.

Commenting on the signed deal, Alexander Juma, a senior field commander of
the SPLA-IO forces in Morobo, said those who signed the peace agreement
with the government in Kampala were representing themselves and not the
armed opposition group led by Riek Machar. He pointed out that the SPLA-IO
forces in the Equatoria region are still loyal to Riek Machar

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