South Sudan’s Communist Party said Wednesday it will not participate in the national dialogue initiative called for by President Salva Kiir, citing worsening political and press freedoms in the country.

In December last year, President Kiir called for an inclusive national dialogue to end the ongoing conflict in South Sudan. However, little progress has been made.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Joseph Modesto, the Secretary General of South Sudan’s Communist Party, said the dialogue initiative needs to be led by a neutral leader and not the government.

“We will not participate in the dialogue because the dialogue is being controlled by the government and it is part of the ongoing suffering of our people,” said Modesto.

He further said many prisoners are still in detention and that the security operatives in Juba are still imposing restrictions on press freedoms including censorship.

The opposition leader said that civilians are being killed despite the recent national prayers in the country. He called on the government to listen to the voice of reason instead of war.

He emphasized the need to hold the national dialogue outside the country to ensure and inclusive process.

Photo: Secretary General of South Sudan’s Community Party Joseph Modesto, credit:Portrait of Joseph by Craig Combs .