Expert calls for resumption of Rome peace talks with hold-out groups
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) has appealed to the Catholic community of Saint Egidio to resume mediation process between the transitional government and the hold-out opposition groups.
“We as citizens, and as activists we are disturbed by total silence around the Rome peace talks, this country needs to be delivered from violence to peace, as the month of May is ending, we hope Rome peace parties will reach agreement, ”Yakani told The Juba Echo in an interview in Juba on Sunday.
In March this year, the Rome peace talks were scheduled for resumption May, after the transitional government and the opposition alliance failed to agree on the agenda of the talks in Rome.
The hold-out groups under the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) have been negotiation with government since 2019.
These groups that refused to sign the 2018 revitalized peace agreement include, National Salvation Front led by Gen.Thomas Cirilo Swaka, South Sudan United Front led by Gen.Paul Malong Awan and Real Sudan People Liberation Movement led by Pagan Amum Okech among others.
Yakani said all political stake-holders need to resume the talks to urgently address the root causes of the conflict and allow peaceful political transition.
“The parties to Rome peace talks and the Catholic community of Saint Egidio should get back for resumption of talks, so that when it comes to time of election, all political actors that have grievances are on the same table for non-violence transition from violence towards peace,” Yakani said.
