The two leaders, who met the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni over the weekend in Jinja, were briefed by President Kiir and the First Vice President Dr Riek Machar Teny on the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
“On Wednesday, 9 Dec, 2020, H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and H.E the First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar met with the representatives of Troika Countries (U.SA, United Kingdom and Norway) to discuss issues pertaining to the overall implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, most notably, the formation of the State and local Governments.” Read part of a statement from South Sudan Presidential Press unit.
According to President Kiir’s spokesman, the representatives of Troika Countries welcomed the resolutions of the Presidency meeting this Wednesday, 9th December 2020, to establish States and local Governments.
“Also in the meeting, the representatives of Troika, were updated on the progress of the unification of forces as stipulated in the security arrangements.” The Statement added.
“The diplomats were further assured by the principals that despite the enormous challenges facing the implementation of the security arrangement, they are diligently working to ensure its full implementation.” it further stated.
The presidency further briefed the representatives of Troika “on the economic reforms agenda and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy that was already struggling”.
“But more importantly the principals briefed the diplomats on the steps it intends to take in order to ensure a speedy and much needed economic recovery.” The statement reads.
In his remarks to the media after the meeting, The Minister of Cabinet Affairs Martin Elia Lomuro said, “H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit assured Troika that the Presidency has unanimously agreed to the formation of the State and local governments of nine states with the exception of Upper Nile State, as well as the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly.”
Hon. Elia further added that H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit “has expressed his happiness and desire to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement.”
On the part of the TROIKA, the British Special Envoy to South Sudan, Robert Fairweather said the three countries are willingness to work in partnership with the government and people of South Sudan to implement the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
On his part, Amb. Robert Fairweather also commended both Kiir and Machar for the progress made thus far on the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The U.S Special Envoy to South Sudan, Amb. Stuart Symington, stressed the importance and need of Troika and the government of the Republic of South Sudan to collaborate and partner to ensure the agreement is implemented in letter and spirit.
The American Envoy called on the people of South Sudan to support and rally behind the agreement.
South Sudan peace agreement is lagging behind its schedule with almost all the chapters either not implemented or not completed.
While the leaders blame COVID-19 and financial challenges, observers blame lack of political will to implement the peace agreement.
