Mar 27th 2018 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan’s main armed opposition group Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) under the leadership of the former First Vice President Riek Machar Teny said on Tuesday that the group is studying the IGAD Communique released after its 61st extraordinary session regarding the peace process in South Sudan.
In a press statement issued by Mabior Garang de Mabior, the Chairnan of the SPLM-IO National Committee for Information and Public Relations, the group said they are studying the Communique issued by the IGAD yesterday.
“The SPLM/SPLA (IO) would like to inform the people of South Sudan and the public at large that your movement is currently reviewing the Communique of the 61st Extra-ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers on the Situation in South Sudan.” partly read the statement.
The movement, according to the statement seen by the Nyamilepedia, said they acknowledges the receipt of the Communique and advise the public to study it closely to advice the movement.
“The leadership of the Movement acknowledges of the Communique and it shall be considered. The SPLM/SPLA (IO) calls on our members to also critically study the communique and advise the leadership through our popular structures.” added the statement.
The statement further said “The SPLM/SPLA (IO) shall soon make an official statement, once we have consulted as a leadership.”
The statement also reiterated “our full commitment to the peace process and to a negotiated settlement as the least costly way to end the war in the country.”
It also reminds the region of its right to defend itself from future attacks possibly by the government.
“However, in light of the well documented belligerence of the regime, as they continue to violate the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoH), their refusal to sign the Declaration of Principles (DoP) at the HLRF, continued abduction of our political leadership and general intransigence, the Movement reserves the natural right of self-defence.” added the statement.
On Monday, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in its 61st extraordinary session conducted in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa decided to release the SPLM-IO Chairman Riek Machar who is being forcefully detained in South Africa by the IGAD in hope to end armed hostilities in the country.
