South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir met top loyalist Nuer politicians over the last few days in Juba where the politicians expressed concern over their positions if peace is reached with the rebels.

Ateny Wek Ateny, the president’s press secretary, told Radio Tamazuj that the Nuer politicians wanted assurance from the president that their positions would not be affected in any transitional government of national unity.

The officials include Manassah Magok Rundial, Riek Gai Kok, John Gai Yoah, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Kuong Danhier Gatluak, and various members of parliament. Former army chief of staff James Hoth Mai was also present.

Ateny said that Kiir reassured them that their positions will not be affected by the peace talks, but pointed out that members of the next government will be based on merit.

“A Nuer official will not be removed because there is another Nuer in opposition coming in to take over, thus all the Nuer who are in opposition faction will get chances in a transitional government,” he said.

The spokesman further said the issue of the internality displaced persons (IDPs) who are sheltering in UN bases across the country was also discussed as well as the reconciliation process.

Ateny said nearly 70% of contentious issues at the peace talks have already been completed, adding the main hindrance in the talks is powers of the prime minister.

He indicated that South Sudan is being governed by a presidential system which gives powers to the president only not prime minister as demanded by the rebels.

“The rebels want to change the system to a parliamentarian, but that one needs referendum with participation of citizens ـــــ and that should be done after elections,” he said, likely referring to the proposed 2015 vote.

Kiir to meet Bashir  

Ateny also said that Kiir’s long-awaited visit to Khartoum is not cancelled, but he disclosed that they have not yet been notified by the Sudanese government on the visit.

He said Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir has been busy with his party’s general convention which concluded over the weekend.

Ateny pointed out that the visit was a request by Kiir to meet al-Bashir to discuss the implementation of the Joint Cooperation Agreements between Juba and Khartoum.