A consultative meeting between the South Sudanese government, SPLM-G10 and SPLA-IO rebels mediated by the East African regional organization IGAD is expected to start in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa today, Monday.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj yesterday, the SPLM-IO deputy head of information and public relations Manawa Peter Gatkuoth said the meeting will include the three SPLM factions in an attempt to push for peace in South Sudan.
The rebel spokesman expected the arrival of the SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar in Addis Ababa to meet the IGAD mediators on how to bring an end to the ongoing civil war in South Sudan.
Reacting to a presidential decision revoking the dismissal of some SPLM members, Manawa said the decision may apply to the SPLM-G10 faction after their meetings in Juba, but not for the armed opposition. He downplayed the decision describing it as just meant for “political gain”.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, who doubles as the ruling party’s chairman recently issued orders cancelling a previous order dismissing senior party members, in line with the Arusha reunification deal.
But Manawa stressed that the reinstatement of the SPLM-IO leaders who were dismissed will be realized only after reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.
For his part, Deng Alor, a member of the SPLM ‘former detainees’ faction (SPLM-G10), told Radio Tamazuj that the they have already received the invitation with regard to the consultative meeting on Monday with participation of four members from each side.
Alor, who has recently headed an advance to team of the Former Detainees to Juba, said their meeting with President Kiir was fruitful. He added the president showed interest in bringing about peace.
He pointed out that they would also meet the rebel leader Riek Machar today with regard the intra-party ‘Arusha’ dialogue process.
The ex-minister of cabinet affairs revealed that President Kiir and SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar will hold talks on the ongoing conflict in South Sudan at an extraordinary summit in Johannesburg, South Africa on the sidelines of the African Summit which will be held in mid-June.