Talks between the South Sudanese government and rebels postponed until May due to lack of progress

March 24 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Government of South Sudan and the rebel groups that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement in the African country have decided to postpone new talks until May after the lack of progress in the last meetings held in Rome (Italy).

The South Sudanese authorities have been trying to negotiate the inclusion of the so-called South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) in the 2018 agreement for four years, with little success.

The government even withdrew from the talks in November last year — citing a lack of interest on the part of the rebels — while the opposition lamented the authorities’ lack of will to address key issues such as the reintegration of their troops.

Among the groups that make up the SSOMA are such prominent forces as the National Salvation Front led by what is considered the leader of the alliance, General Thomas Cirilo Swaka, the United Front of South Sudan led by the general (and former head of the Army) Paul Malong Awan, as well as the Royal Sudan People’s Liberation Movement led by Pagan Amum.

The Government interlocutor and Minister for Presidential Affairs, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, explained that the talks in recent days have taken place in a “cordial” tone, before recalling that the main objective of the talks these days was to reactivate the rhythm of the negotiations, according to statements collected by the ‘Sudan Post’.

“The first thing we had to get was to get off the ground again. I perceive that the current pace of the talks is positive and will lead to lasting peace in South Sudan,” he added.

For his part, General Cirilo Swaka has insisted on holding an inclusive process to “address the root causes of the conflict in the country” and expressed his commitment to negotiate in good faith to achieve permanent peace.

“We assume the responsibility of rescuing our country and we have promised to continue the fight for freedom, justice, equality and democracy for our people,” added the opposition leader.