SPLM-G10 member Oyai Deng Ajak told Radio Tamazuj that his faction will only return to Juba once a final peace deal is reached through the ongoing talks in Addis Ababa.

Oyai made these statements following SPLM-Juba Secretary General Ann Itto's announcment that they are ready to welcome exiled SPLM members back to the South Sudanese capital.

“We will not go to Juba unless the peace agreement is signed in Addis Ababa. If there is no agreement signed our return to Juba will difficult,” he said.
The representatives of the three factions are due to meet in Juba in 45 days’ time to discuss reformation within the party.

Oyai pointed that the Arusha deal requires security units from South Africa and Kenya as well as Tanzania to protect them.

“There should be security measures that should be implemented before we return to Juba. this was agreed in Arusha , but nothing has been implemented so far,” he said.

Itto said that President Kiir announced that President Salva Kiir announced a unilateral ceasefire and extended amnesty to anyone fighting the government from 24 February to 31  March.

She said that SPLM-Juba chairman Salva Kiir announced a unilateral ceasefire and amnesty offered from 24 February to 31 March to allow SPLM-G10 and SPLM-In Opposition figures to return to the country.

Itto said returnees will be allowed to reclaim their assets and access their bank accounts, besides full protection. However, she also said that some may face criminal charges, Sudan Tribune reported.

Itto indicated that they are ready to receive representatives of the tripartite committee comprising of the SPLM-IO, South Sudanese government, and former political detainees in Juba soon.

She said that if the SPLM-G10 or SPLM-IO leaders do not feel safe to come back to Juba then they can be protected by UN peacekeepers.

Photo: Former Ambassador to the United States Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth (in suit, right) and former National Security Minister Oyai Deng (far back) celebrate their release by a court in Juba, 25 April 2014 (Radio Tamazuj)