S. Sudan national dialogue body denies blocking Machar
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South Sudan's opposition leader Riek Machar speaks during a briefing
in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa April 9, 2016 (Photo Reuters/ Tiksa
Negeri)
June 12, 2017 (JUBA) - The South Sudan national dialogue committee,
Monday has denied backing efforts aimed at blocking the return of the
exiled rebel leader, Riek Machar, and preventing his participation in
the political process.
The dialogue body in a statement released to the public described as
misleading media reports claiming that Angelo Beda, co-chair of the
dialogue committee was backing efforts aimed at denying the return of
Machar to participate in the process.
The statement further claimed that the committee was exerting efforts
to persuade President Kiir to allow the return of Machar as a normal
citizen.
President Kiir and government officials say they prefer for the time
being to keep the former first vice president in his forced exile and
support the idea the main rebel group join the dialogue in order to
make it inclusive and successful.
"The President does not intend to block Dr Riek Machar from
participation in the National Dialogue since he has already welcomed
the participation of Machar’s delegation," said the statement pointing
that the insistence of the rebel leader on the “Armed Resistance”,
contradicts the basic principles of a peaceful dialogue.
"Thus, If Dr Machar is for peace and stability of the country, he can
accept the proposal for non-violence and peaceful resolution of the
conflict through a credible and transparent National Dialogue (ND) and
such a gesture would be highly appreciated by everyone and therefore,
he would be most welcome to participate in the ND," further reads the
statement.
The SPLM-IO insists on the need to hold talks between the two main
warring parties to reinvigorate the 2015 peace agreement and
reactivate the security arrangements including the ceasefire. The
presence of the SPLM-IO faction led by Taban Deng Gai in the
transitional government seemingly represents an obstacle that Machar
factions intends to clear before to go to the political process.
However, the committee explained that the national dialogue initiative
is both a forum and process through which the people of South Sudan
shall gather to address the root causes of their conflict, redefine
the basis of their unity as it relates to nationhood, citizenship and
belonging, as well as the restructure of the state institutions for
national inclusion and stability.
The key objective is to end the conflict and usher a new era of
sustainable peace, reconciliation and to prepare for a national
election, the committee emphasised.
Angelo Beda, according to the statement, said that the declared
unilateral ceasefire and the release of political prisoners by the
President as well as other gestures of good will were significant
positive steps taken to build confidence and create a conducive
environment for the National Dialogue.
"In this respect, Dr Riek Machar is equally expected to take a gesture
of goodwill by reviewing his earlier declaration of “armed resistance”
made in Khartoum," it further stated.
The national dialogue, which was officially launched by President Kiir
last month, is both a forum and process through which the people of
South Sudan shall gather to address the root causes of their conflict,
redefine the basis of their unity as it relates to nationhood,
citizenship and belonging, as well as the restructure of the state
institutions for national inclusion and stability.
Since mid-December 2013, tens of thousands of people have been killed
and millions displaced in South Sudan’s worst ever violence during its
post-independence period.
(ST)
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