A leading member of the Former Detainees group (FDs) said his colleagues who have not come to Juba regret for not participating in the SPLM Liberation Council meeting in Juba on Thursday.

Speaking at the SPLM Liberation Council meeting in Juba, transport minister John Luk Jok said the former detainees welcome the SPLM Liberation Council meeting as a timely event to rescue the SPLM party from fragmentation and conflict.

He said the meeting should address the issues of peace and security in order to restore trust and confidence in the historical party.

Luk pointed out that his colleagues who are in exile were scared by President Kiir’s recent statement in which he regretted for saving the lives of the former detainees and his former deputy Riek Machar in Juba.

The official, who represents his colleagues in the unity government, asked the SPLM Liberation Council members to understand the situation of the former detainees for failing to come to Juba to attend the meeting.

Luk called for fundamental reforms of the SPLM party as stipulated in the Arsuha reunification agreement signed in 2015.

He reiterated his group’s commitment to the reunification of the historical party, saying they are ready to participate in building the party and the country.

“We call upon the SPLM leadership to undertake all necessary positive measures that promote and consolidate the unity of the SPLM and achieve peace and reconciliation throughout the country. Keep the doors of unity open,” Luk said.

The SPLM Liberation Council meeting kicked in Juba on Thursday to reunify the SPLM party.

Several senior members of the Former Detainees did not attend the meeting in the capital Juba, citing lack of seriousness from President Kiir’s side to reunify the party.

Machar’s group said it does not recognize the ongoing reunification of the SPLM party in Juba.