Representatives of the SPLM-IO faction at the ongoing round of peace talks in Addis Ababa say they are pessimistic about reaching a peace deal by the 5 March deadline, in spite of optimism expressed by the SPLM-Juba faction.

SPLM-IO deputy head of information and public relations Manawa Peter Gatkuoth told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that this final round of talks may fail to achieve a lasting peace for South Sudan.

He cited the absence of Salva Kiir at the peace as one of one of the indicators that the Juba government is not for genuine in seeking peace.

At the end of the previous round of peace negotiations, President Kiir signed a document agreeing to resume negotiations on 19 February. The document stated clearly that this round of talks would be the final negotiations and will be conducted by the two Principals.

“We heard a statement by the government spokesman Michael Makuei that Salva Kiir would not take part in the talks but will only attend a final signing ceremony if a deal is reached. So he hinted that the president might delegate Wani Igga to attend the talks,” he said.

Manawa further said the move shows that the government has reneged from the previous agreement.

The rebel official further called on the African Union and international community to release the findings of the African Union report on atrocities and war crimes committed during the conflict in South Sudan.

“We think that the position of the African Union to defer its report on war crimes and atrocities committed in South Sudan as well as the support being rendered to the Juba government by Uganda are also narrowing chances for peace,” he explained.

On the other hand, speaking to Radio Tamazuj recently, the South Sudanese Minister of Information Michael Makuei expressed optimism about reaching a peace agreement in Addis Ababa by 5 March after participating in the opening session of the talks, which was attended by three SPLM factions and other stakeholders.