South Sudan government on Wednesday reiterated its position rejecting the resuscitation of the 2015 peace deal, saying the dialogue initiative came up to ensure a smooth implementation of the peace deal.

This comes after the head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, David Shearer, told the Security Council recently that the political process in the country is not dead but requires significant resuscitation.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, said the government will not revive the signed peace deal, adding that those who are still calling for the resuscitation of the peace agreement must stop.

“The national dialogue was initiated to ensure a smooth implementation of the peace agreement but not to revive it. So, anybody who still dreams of resuscitation of the peace deal should revise his dream,” said Makuei.

Makuei, who is also the government spokesman, criticized the call by the United Nations and the African Union on the South Sudanese government to declare ceasefire.

He pointed out that they cannot declare ceasefire while opposition groups are launching attacks on their positions across the country.