The South Sudanese government and South Sudan Democratic Movement ‘Cobra Faction’ led by David Yau Yau could sign a deal within days, according to the bishop mediating negotiations between the two parties.
Yau Yau waged an insurgency in Pibor County of Jonglei from mid-2012 through 2013. A former theology student and local government official, he recruited his troops from the Murle tribe to which he belongs.
In January the group agreed to a truce and in February they inked a draft peace deal giving Pibor special status with a chief administrator with status equivalent to that of a state governor.
The proposed deal involves only the Cobra Faction based in eastern Jonglei and the Kiir government based in southwestern Jonglei, and does not involve the main SPLM/A opposition faction also active in Jonglei State, in the state’s northern counties.
Chief mediator Emeritus Bishop Paride Taban of the Catholic Diocese of Torit revealed on Tuesday that David Yau Yau approved a quick signing of the final security arrangements pact, the Catholic Radio Network reported.
The bishop predicted the peace deal could be finalized before Easter, but foresaw also some potential delays due to distances and logistical challenges faced by the David Yau Yau negotiating team in Khartoum.
As quoted by the Catholic Radio Network, the bishop said the peace deal once signed would be an Easter gift for the nation.
File photo: Bishop Paride Taban
Related coverage:
Draft deal with Cobra Faction to establish Jonglei sub-region (29 March)
Jonglei ‘Cobra Faction’ says honoring truce (21 Feb.)
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