South Sudanese opposition leader Riek Machar on Wednesday met with senior officials of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Juba.

Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, the deputy spokesman of the opposition SPLM-IO, told Radio Tamazuj this morning that Machar met with senior political and military leaders in Juba where they discussed key issues about security and political freedoms in the country.

“Dr. Machar briefed the leadership on the security situation in Maiwut. Also, he emphasized the importance of allowing political freedoms so that political parties can disseminate the peace agreement and organize symposiums in the states,” he said.

“Dr. Machar said he will continue discussing the outstanding issues with President Salva Kiir, especially the number of states and their boundaries,” he added.  

Manawa pointed out that the situation is getting worse in Maiwut, where recent clashes have displaced civilians. “Kiir and Machar will hold more talks on the situation in Jikou and the security arrangements,” he explained.

The opposition official urged respect for ceasefire across the country, saying the two principals will meet with security mechanisms in a bid to review security arrangements.

Manawa added that key outstanding issues remain which are having an impact on the peace process, pointing out that they include the reunification of security forces.

“We cannot form a unity government before the unification of the various security forces, so the two leaders will discuss the progress made so far,” he said.

On November 12, Kiir and Machar were given 100 days to resolve their differences and form a unity government.

President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar and a handful of other groups signed the peace deal in September 2018. However the parties have failed to create a unified army and determine the number of states since the deal was signed.