Leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) have reiterated calls for the release of Dr. Riek Machar to allow for inter-party dialogue.
The opposition leaders made the call as South Sudan prepares to hold an inter-party dialogue in September.
Dr. Machar is the chairperson of the SPLM-IO and commander-in-chief of the SPLA-IO. He is also a signatory to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
He and several co-accused are currently facing trial in connection with the Nasir conflict, which resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property.
As the dialogue approaches, John Wiyual, the commissioner of Akobo County, an area partially controlled by the SPLA-IO, has called for Dr. Machar’s release.
Wiyual said Dr. Machar is a key participant in the planned dialogue and should therefore be released before the talks begin.
“The SPLM/A-IO is ready for dialogue. We simply request the government in Juba to release Dr. Riek Machar and other political detainees. The inter-party dialogue needs him. It is important,” Wiyual said.
He also commended peace advocates in South Sudan, stressing the need for South Sudanese to end violence and embrace peaceful means of resolving political differences.
The commissioner appealed to peace partners to intervene and help secure the release of Dr. Machar, as well as ensure a smooth and inclusive dialogue among the parties.
Meanwhile, Oyet Nathaniel, the acting chairperson of the SPLM-IO, called on the international community to intervene and push for the release of Dr. Machar.
Oyet accused the government in Juba of continuing to violate the peace agreement by detaining the main opposition leader.
“The regime in Juba has detained the main opposition leader and signatory to the peace agreement, and it continues to violate the peace agreement. This needs the intervention of peace partners. The inter-party dialogue can come later,” Oyet said.
He reiterated the SPLM-IO’s commitment to peace, saying the movement remains ready for dialogue as long as its chairperson and other detained members are released.
On his part, Ateny Wek Ateny, South Sudan’s Minister of Information and government spokesperson, said the country remains committed to holding elections despite the challenges facing the transitional process.
He said the parties to the peace agreement would soon engage in dialogue to pave the way for elections.
The minister said the decision on whether Dr. Riek Machar should be released would be made by the court, rather than by political parties or peace partners.
“For those calling for the release of Dr. Riek Machar, the court proceedings are ongoing, and the court will determine the matter according to the law. No one can just get up and say, ‘Release Dr. Riek,’” Ateny said.
He called on peace partners to support South Sudan in conducting transparent and credible elections.
