The Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition(SPLM/A-IO) under Nathaniel Oyet has condemned Government’s plan to replace Dr. Riek Machar but welcomes the need to dialogue.
While SPLM/A-IO remain divided, Dr. Riek Machar and some other members remain under detention despites several calls.
While addressing Journalists, Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro who is also the secretary general of high-level standing committee (HLSC) the government cannot keep the agreement hostage.
Dr. Elia outlined plans to advance the peace agreement without Machar’s faction, including recognizing a new SPLM-IO group in Juba, replacing his allies in key commissions, and accelerating election preparations.
Dr. Elia revealed that the government would ensure renew dialogue with hope to move the country forward
“However, this strategy must serve as a turning point and a catalyst for urgent and decisive action. The government in collaboration with regional and international partners must reassert its leadership in driving the peace process through renew dialogue, institutional reform and unified national efforts” Dr. Elia said in statement.
However, in response to the government plans Nathaniel Oyet, SPLM/A-IO acting chairperson and acting commander in chief of the forces who remain in hiding condemned government plan to replaced Dr. Machar in the government.
In a statement extended to this outlet, Oyet accept the government plan to dialogue citing that the SPLM-IO remain committed to peace restoration.
“Inconclusion the SPLM/SPLA-IO, however in paragraph 8.2 of the strategic response” take noted of the proposal for a renewed dialogue” this is a step in the right direction for the resolution of the outstanding violations and the restoration of the R-ARCSS and its implementation” Oyet said in the statement.
He called for unconditional release of Dr. Machar in order to pave way for dialogue.
“In order to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the country. We reiterated our call for the unconditional release of H.E Dr. Riek Machar Teny and other political detainees” he said.
Kiir, Machar, and other leaders signed a 2018 peace deal to end a brutal civil war, but implementation has stalled over key issues, including security reforms, election preparations, and drafting a permanent constitution.
