Some senior government officials in Juba are obstructing efforts to implement the revitalised peace deal, a politician linked to the opposition said.
The opposition official, on condition of anonymity, told Radio Tamazuj Thursday that there was a lack of will of some government departments and ministries to provide the support needed to implement the peace deal, which is already six months behind schedule.
He declined to name specific government officials.
“There is a problem of cooperation between some ministers and the national pre-transitional committee when it comes to the activities of the peace agreement. For example, the president had directed the ministry of finance to approve money for the pre-transitional committee to implement some activities of security arrangements, but the money has not been released,” he said.
The opposition politician, who is part of the revitalised peace accord, said some senior government officials are creating obstacles to delay formation of the planned unity government in May 2019.
“Some ministers in the current government fear that they will be removed when the time comes for the formation of the new transitional government,” he said.
On its part, government has rubbished accusations that some of its senior officials were blocking the implementation of the peace deal.
The president’s spokesman, Ateny Wek Ateny, said President Kiir is committed to implement the revitalised peace deal in letter and spirit.
“Nobody would be allowed to obstruct this peace agreement. The main challenge now is that the government doesn’t have money that’s why the money was not approved by the ministry of finance,” he said.
Ateny further said peace partners are doing their level best to form the new unity government in May.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said the formation of the transitional government in May depends on the parties.
“Most of the opposition groups are in Juba and are well-protected. The security situation is good, so if we don’t complete the security arrangements within this short period of time, we can go ahead and form the transitional government in May,” he said.
“But we will not allow anybody to come to Juba with his forces again. The VIP protection unit will provide protection to members of the presidency,” he added.
South Sudan’s peace partners are now facing a time crunch and funds, as the peace deal provides for a transitional government to assume power in May.