Conditions are not yet ready for a resumption of peace talks between the unity government and a faction of the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) because both sides remain apart on some issues regarding the ceasefire, a peace mediator said.

The holdout opposition group, known as the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA), consists of two factions. Gen. Paul Malong and Mr Pagan Amum are both leading a faction, while Gen. Thomas Cirillo leads his own group.

In January 2020, SSOMA signed a peace declaration with the government in which they recommitted to the cessation of hostilities and called for uninterrupted humanitarian access to the local and international organizations.

Paolo Impagliazzo, the secretary-general of the Community of Sant'Egidio, which is mediating the peace talks, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday efforts to restart negotiations between the transitional government and the Thomas Cirillo faction are ongoing.

He pointed out that the Community of Sant'Egidio is working with the parties to get negotiations back on track.

"There are some issues that we have to resolve first before the peace talks could resume. The first one is the situation in Central Equatoria. As you are aware, there are clashes going on between the SSPDF [South Sudan People’s Defense Forces] and NAS [National Salvation Front]," Paolo said. 

Gen. Thomas Cirillo is the leader of the rebel group National Salvation Front.

The mediator further said they are engaging both sides to adhere to the cessation of hostilities agreement in Central Equatoria State before a political discussion could start.

"The parties agree that we need to create the best environment for the political discussion. There are also some security concerns raised by SSOMA for their people residing in neighbouring countries and it is important to create a conducive environment for the political discussion," he stated. 

According to Paolo, logistical arrangements are being finalized for the peace talks between the transitional government and the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOA) faction led by Gen. Paul Malong and Mr Pagan Amum to resume as soon as possible.

The secretary-general stressed that political talks between the various parties are the only way for peace and stability in South Sudan. He urged the parties to adhere to the cessation of hostilities agreement.

"Thomas Cirillo needs to stop hostilities in Central Equatoria. When I was in Juba recently, I received a verbal assurance from the government that they will adhere to the cessation of hostilities," he stated. 

Planned elections

When asked to comment on whether South Sudan is ready for the 2023 elections as stipulated in the 2018 IGAD-mediated peace deal, Mr Paolo said the priority for the country should be on the implementation of critical tasks of the peace agreement before general elections.

"There are some issues that should be addressed before the elections so that all South Sudanese can participate. There are issues of refugees, returnees and the electoral commission.  So there are things that are needed first before the elections could take place,” he concluded.