Dr. Luka Biong Deng, a Global Fellow at Peace Research Institute in Oslo, welcomed initiatives to launch an inclusive dialogue to end the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, but proposed that it should be held outside the country to ensure inclusivity in the process.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Dr. Luka, who is a South Sudanese observer, said: “There are fundamental issues in the process, the government’s commitment to create a conducive environment for the National Dialogue whether in terms of security or the release of prisoners. So, there must be a strong sign from the government first to create a conducive atmosphere for the dialogue.”
He pointed out that the dialogue initiative needs to be launched outside the country to include all political parties, armed opposition groups and other stakeholders in South Sudan.
“The opposition groups cannot go and join now, so there is need for a neutral ground for the National Dialogue. The start of process must come up with an agenda agreed upon, but the final stages of the dialogue can be held inside South Sudan after the government creates a conducive atmosphere inside South Sudan, “he said.
Luka, who is former Director of Centre for Peace Studies at the University of Juba, said the National Dialogue called for by President Salva Kiir needs to be led by neutral personalities to achieve its objectives.
“The dialogue can contain the current situation. The dialogue is important now because there is famine, and all people need to work together on how to contain the famine as a good start for the dialogue,” he said.
Luka called on all opposition factions to join the National Dialogue, saying it would be a mechanism for implementation of the signed peace agreement.
“It is very clear now that the warring parties disagree on how to lead the transitional period, but the dialogue will set up a mechanism on who can lead the transitional period,” said Luka.
Last week, President Kiir called for a national day of prayer on March 10 prior to the official launch of the National Dialogue in the country.
Photo: Dr. Luka Biong (Radio Tamazuj)