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JUBA - 11 Sep 2019

SPLM-IO moves its headquarters to Juba

File photo: SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar
File photo: SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar

Machar’s SPLM-IO opposition group has announced that it is moving its headquarters to Juba, from 'Phow State', hours after meetings with President Salva Kiir.

Tingo Peter, secretary general of the SPLM-IO, told Radio Tamazuj this afternoon that the decision to relocate the opposition group’s head office to Juba came after fruitful talks between Kiir and Machar in Juba this morning.

“The decision was taken today, and we agreed to move the SPLM-IO headquarters to Juba,” he said.

Tingo pointed out the move means the party’s secretary general will remain in the capital Juba. He added that the new office will work to promote peace in the country, pointing out that they will also coordinate activities with the government.

According to Tingo, the move could give political space and open the way for peace, reconciliation and freedoms. “The President and Dr. Riek had constructive discussions on security arrangements and freedoms,” he explained.

President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar concluded face-to-face meetings today. The two leaders said they made "significant progress" in talks aimed at ironing out issues related to critical tasks.

The meeting between the two principles comes as a 12 November deadline approaches to establish a transitional government.