Statement By South Sudan’s Dr. Machar After Holding Talks With Kenyan’s President Uhuru Kenyatta At State House, Nairobi, Kenya

I know that you were in Juba on 26th December 2013. It was Christmas time but because of your dedication, you went to Juba. I had no opportunity to meet with you because I was on the run. I had no intention of telling you where I could be found at this particular time.

However, I am happy that you and your colleagues in IGAD decided to see that peace returns to South Sudan and initiated the peace talks. I have come to push forward this process. And I want to assure you that we are serious about bringing peace to South Sudan.

I want to reiterate our commitment to the latest document we signed, which was a roadmap negotiated in Addis. We signed it not under duress — we felt that it was a compromise document. It did not meet all our requirements, but in peace you make compromises. So we did make compromises and we will continue — for the sake of peace — making compromises so that peace can return to South Sudan.

Since I came here with my colleagues, we have been engaged in discussions with your officials and your Excellency. We are satisfied. We will be going back to resume the talks.

And I want to assure you that we are serious in ending this senseless killing in South Sudan. I want to assure you that we support the cessation of hostilities, that we will respect the roadmap and that we will move forward together.