Nov 26, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — South Sudan president Salva Kiir gives a green light to United Nations Mission in South Sudan(UNMISS), IGAD and partners to facilitate and transport rebel commanders and delegates from various parts of the country to Pagaak, Upper Nile State, for consultations on IGAD-led peace process.
“Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardiit has preparably [preferably] and out of good gesture for the benefit of peace in the Country, agreed to allow for the facilition and the transportation of rebel’s delegates from the areas in Unity, Upper Nile, Jonglei to Pagak where they intend to hold their conference” said Mawien Makol Arik.
According to Amb. Mawien Makol Arik, the spokesman for the Ministry of foreign Affairs and International relations, president Salva Kiir permits the SPLM-SPLA (in Opposition) to be transported by air in response to IGAD-Special Envoy’s request to allow the SPLM-SPLA to conduct their consultations as agreed during the recent IGAD summit.
“This came in response to Special’s request to enable SPLM/A- In Opposition’s delegates to conduct their consultative conference inline with the resolution passed by the last IGAD summit in order to allow the rebels conference takes place for the benefit of reaching the peace settlement of the conflict in the country” the Spokesman added in his brief press release.
The president’s response, however, came after the 8th session of IGAD peace process has been adjourned after the two sides failed to show up yesterday, 25th August, as agreed. The grounded Opposition is yet to response to Salva Kiir’s late offer.
South Sudan’s warring factions were given 15 days to consult their leaderships on power sharing, system of governance and other protocols agreed by the two principles at the IGAD summit this month.
While the government held its brief consultations in Juba, the SPLM-SPLA’s conference is yet to begin in Pagaak. Various delegates from different countries have reportedly arrived, however, a few military delegations are yet to reach the venue.
The Chairman and Commander in Chief of SPLM-SPLA (in Opposition), Dr. Riek Machar, was received in Pagaak yesterday. Maj. Gen. Koang Chuol Ranley and other generals from Upper Nile state have also arrived.
In other reports, however, the government is accused by the armed opposition of attacking multiple positions in Jonglei and Upper Nile state.
“Kiir’s genocidal Forces commanded by Brig. Gen. John Maluit Wei today renewed hostilities against our Combat Units by launching simultaneous attacks on several defensive positions which included; Pachot, Maan-Nyang, Thak En Char, Dor and Biel” Said Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, SPLA-IO spokesperson.
“Phom El Zaref, the Administrative HQs of Fangak County in northern Jonglei State also came under heavy shelling for the second consecutive day from Uluak on western bank of the White Nile in Panyikang County, Upper Nile. The SPLA Gallant Forces under overall command of Maj. Gen. Gabriel Tangiye repulsed all the attackers to Canal.” Brig. Lul added.
