South Sudanese opposition groups at the ongoing peace talks strongly condemned what termed as violations of the cessation of hostilities agreement by the government.
The opposition groups at the Addis Ababa peace talks today morning walked out of the talks in protest, accusing the government of attacking SPLA-IO defensive positions near Nasser town.
In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj this afternoon, the opposition groups said the government of South Sudan has demonstrated lack of seriousness and political will to negotiate in good faith, citing the government team’s refusal to sign the declaration of principles.
The groups further said the government has been attacking opposition positions throughout the country the latest of which is Nyatot in Nasir area today.
They demanded an urgent and immediate investigation of all violations and a review of the status of implementation of cessation of hostilities agreement.
“The Opposition Group demands the government of South Sudan to sign the Declaration of Principles that is the basis for negotiation,” partly reads the opposition group’s statement.
“The government forces must immediately withdraw from all positions they captured in violation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, Article (3) Sub-article (2),” adds the statement.
The groups reiterated its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict through the ongoing peace process in Addis Ababa.
Edmund Yakani, executive director of the nonprofit Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), urged the warring parties to respect the signed ceasefire deal.
The renowned civil society activist said the time has come for each party to demonstrate a sense of responsibility for respecting the cessation of hostilities agreement.
Yakani called on South Sudan leaders to intervene immediately so that the talks can proceed without hindrances starting from tomorrow. He also urged the parties to stop the violations of the cessation of hostilities agreement.