A South Sudanese political analyst said the decision to extend the pre-transitional period for six months is a positive step towards the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Dr. James Okuk, a political science professor at the University of Juba, welcomed the decision to extend the pre-transitional period to November 12, saying it will resolve sticky issues such as creating a unified army and agreeing on state boundaries.
"There is hope to form a transitional government after six months if the parties worked on what they agreed in Addis Ababa,” he said.
South Sudan’s rival parties last week agreed on a six-month extension to implement next steps in the peace agreement.
The latest extension came after the main opposition group threatened to boycott formation of a unity government on May 12.
Okuk said insistence on the formation of the government in May was going to be a gross violation of the peace accord since there was no constitution that supported the formation of the government.
At a meeting held in Addis Ababa from May 2 to 3, the parties acknowledged there were constraints to the implementation of the pre-transition provisions within eight months in accordance with the deal.
A recent report from the United Nation panel of experts showed the young nation still faces significant challenges, despite reduced fighting resulting from a peace deal signed in September last year.