The Italian government has pledged to support the implementation of South Sudan’s peace deal, a South Sudanese diplomat said.
South Sudan’s ambassador to Italy, Ajing Adiang Marik said the pledge was made at a meeting between President Salva Kiir and the Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Contte in Rome last week.
“They were positive over supporting the peace process in South Sudan and the [Italian] Prime Minister promised to visit South Sudan,” Marik told Radio Tamazuj from Rome.
“The president briefed the Italian Prime Minister on the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, “he added.
The South Sudanese diplomat, however, admitted that the peace implementation is facing challenges due to financial constraints.
“Forces need to be assembled and they need services such as food, medicines and water. This is a very big responsibility,” said Marik.
He urged the international community to support the peace agreement in South Sudan.
Last week, Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church invited President Kiir and opposition leader, Riek Machar for a retreat at the Vatican. Also present were first vice president Taban Deng Gai and Rebecca Garang, the widow of the SPLM founder John Garang.
Ambassador Marik said it was a successful retreat, having reminded the country’s leaders of their responsibilities towards the people of South Sudan.
“This [retreat] gives you a sense that you should do something good and more to hold peace for your people and country,” said the envoy.
“What I am sure of is that all [leaders] have accepted peace,” he added.
In September last year, South Sudan’s arch-foes signed a revitalized peace agreement to end the country’s civil war that killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.
South Sudan’s peace parties are expected to form a transitional government of national unity by May 12. However, the agreement has been met with missed deadlines due to lack of funds.