November 6th, 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – The Japanese government has welcomed the peace celebrations organized by the South Sudan government last week in the capital Juba.
South Sudan President had extended invitations to regional leaders and international dignitaries including representatives of the opposition groups to attend the celebrations in the capital.
SPLM-IO leader, Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, as well as the leader of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) Changson Lew Chang, was also in the nation’s capital for the much-publicized ceremony.
“Japan welcomes the fact that the Republic of South Sudan successfully held the Peace Ceremony for the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) without any major disruptions in Juba on October 31,” a statement by the Japanese government said.
In the statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Press Secretary, Takeshi Osuga, the Japanese government was encouraged and commended the South Sudanese warring parties for finally taking a bold stance towards initiating peaceful approaches to resolve their differences in a peaceful way and further lauded them for being committed to observing the Permanent Ceasefire.
“Japan highly values the strong political will and commitments by relevant parties including the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the opposition leaders to observe the permanent ceasefire and to implement the Agreement. It also expresses its respect for great efforts made by the Government of Sudan and other IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) countries as well as the IGAD Secretariat to promote peace in South Sudan,” further said Osuga.
The Japanese government in that regard reiterated its commitment to working hand in hand with the international community in the efforts to ensure that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is implemented in letter and spirit.
“Japan will contribute to support, in cooperation with the international community, the implementation of the Agreement as well as the efforts towards peace and stability in South Sudan,” the statement further said.
Last month, the South Sudanese warring parties celebrated the signing of the revitalized peace agreement in the nation’s capital, Juba. The celebration of this event led to positive steps, including the release of political detainees of the South Sudanese main opposition group.