South Sudan’s SPLM-IO rebels slammed the government delegation for questioning the impartiality of the Troika in its bid to move peace talks to Kenya.

SPLM-IO Head of External Relations Committee Dhieu Mathok told Radio Tamazuj Thursday that the SPLM-Juba is trying to waste time to prepare for military action in the coming dry season.

Dhieu denied that the Troika—the US, UK, and Norway—have interfered in the talks, as Salva Kiir’s delegation alleges.

Mathok also criticized a government minister at the talks for saying on the BBC Focus on Africa program that the venue and chief mediator should be changed.

Mathok called on the international community to put pressure Juba to accept a peaceful settlement.

When asked about the latest developments at the talks, Mathok said they are still discussing the responsibilities of the president and prime minister in a transitional period.

He further said the status of armed forces between the two factions will be discussed. He hinted that the SPLA-IO prefers the two fragmented SPLA factions to remain separate during a transitional period.

Mediator bias?

Charles Obaj, a member of civil society organizations at the talks, told Radio Tamazuj that IGAD, the East African regional body mediating peace talks, was favouring the former detainees group led by former SPLM secretary-general Pagan Amum.

“You know, the call for shifting the venue of the talks to Kenya was a result of biasness by IGAD Chief Mediator Seyoum Mesfin,” he said.

Obaj added that the two warring parties have agreed that the incumbent president Salva Kiir and his vice president James Wanni Igga will remain in power, while SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar would be prime minister.

He said the sticking point is on the distribution of powers.

The activist called upon the international community to pressure the negotiators to respect the peace agreement signed in May.

Related:

S Sudan political parties say venue change is govt delay tactic

Photo: Government spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth

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