The SPLM-IO faction led by former vice president Riek Machar announced that it welcomes President Kiir’s call for a national dialogue as a mean to establish a genuine state in South Sudan.

Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, spokesperson of the SPLM-IO, told Radio Tamazuj yesterday the national dialogue called for by President Kiir requires a conducive environment in South Sudan.

He pointed out that the government should allow unrestricted humanitarian access to civilians in need in different parts of the country and involve all political parties in the national dialogue.

He pointed out that President Kiir’s speech could pave the way for a serious dialogue in the country. “It is the first time for the President to talk about issues related to forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence, so we commend his speech and his calls for forgiveness so that people can open a new chapter,” he said.     

However, Manawa that the armed opposition will not negotiate with the current government without a third party.

Separately, Onyoti Adigo Nyikuac, the Minority Leader in South Sudan's parliament, said that Kiir’s call for a national dialogue is a good initiative, saying it should involve all stakeholders to end the ongoing war across the country.

“The important thing is the agenda of the dialogue and the outcomes to help in the implementation of the peace agreement, the agenda of the dialogue should come from the people,” he said.

File photo: Manawa Peter