A meeting of the three SPLM factions is expected to start in Arusha, Tanzania on Thursday as IGAD-track negotiations between the government and opposition forces remain stalled.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, South Sudanese scholar and former government minister Luka Biong said that the meeting will include the SPLM-in-Government (SPLM-Juba), SPLM-G10 and SPLM-IO.
Luka, who is Director at the University of Juba’s Centre for Peace and Development Studies, expressed optimism about the ongoing attempts to push for internal reconciliation within the ruling party, referring to the arrival of the SPLM-G10 group led by Pagan Amum in Juba on Monday as well as meetings of the SPLM Liberation Council, despite the absence of former Vice President and ex-Unity state governor Taban Deng.
The leading SPLM member said the ongoing political process could bring about peace in South Sudan. He predicted that the warring parties could reach a final peace deal before mid-July.
Failing to sign peace before mid-July could exacerbate the ongoing crisis, he said, referring to a report compiled by the AU Commission of Inquiry that is expected to be submitted to the AU Peace and Security Council.
The AU Commission of Inquiry was formed a year ago to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity, and human rights violations in South Sudan, as well as determine the way forward for accountability, reconciliation, and healing.
The Commission, led by former Nigerian President Olesugun Obasanjo has come under pressure from human rights activists and civil society to make the report public.