South Sudan: SPLM Leaders, Salva Kiir and Dr. Machar Invited to Arusha, Tanzania.

Updated at 1:10Am, Oct 20, 2014(PST)

Oct 19, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — The initial phase of the Intra-SPLM Dialogue has come to an end on 18th October, 2014. In his adjourning statement, the Secretary General of Chama Cha Mapinduzi(CMM), Abdulrahman Kinana, endorsed the “frank, honest and cordial manner” of the SPLM stakeholders during the initial phase.

The Chama Cha Mapinduzi, looking forwards to the unification spirit shown in phase one, invites the SPLM leaders, Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar Teny, to the next round of dialogue.

“The initial phase of this Dialogue was held in a frank, honest and cordial manner. Having concluded the initial phase of the Intra-SPLM Dialogue, the Chairman of CCM, Cde. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, has invited the principal leaders of the SPLM, namely Cde. Salva Kiir, President of the Republic of South Sudan and Cde. Riek Macharfor the official launching of the process due to take place on Monday October 20th 2014 in Arusha, Tanzania”  SG Kinana said.

According to CCM’s Secretary General, the SPLM leaders, which comprise mostly of Politburo members, have agreed on framework for SPLM Dialogue, the objectives and agenda for negotiations in the next rounds.

“They have reached progress on establishing a framework for the SPLM Dialogue, including shared principles, objectives and agenda for engaging in Dialogue.” Kinana said.

Chama Cha Mapinduzi recognizes that the South Sudan conflict emerged from Intra-party ideological differences between the SPLM leaders, and therefore, the CCM is honored to host and facilitates the reunification process.

“It is worth mentioning that the crisis facing the Republic of South Sudan came as a result of differences within the SPLM Leadership, as acknowledged by the participants of this Dialogue.” Reads the statement

“Chama Cha Mapinduzi is honored to host and facilitate this Intra-SPLM Dialogue, aimed at reunifying our sisterly party.” Kinana said.

Three factions of SPLM: SPLM-Juba, SPLM-IO and SPLM-G10, convened in Arusha from October 12 -18th through an invitation from the CCM’s chairman, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, at the request of the SPLM leadership to reunite the SPLM and the people of South Sudan.

The Arusha Reunification Process, which runs parallel to IGAD led peace process, will resume on Monday, 20th October, 2014.

While Dr. Machar is in Nairobi, Kenya, for consultation with the Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta, the IGAD peace process in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, was adjourned this week to be resumed towards the end of the month.

IGAD mediators, TROIKA partners and African Union are reportedly in consultation to condense their frameworks in attempt to resolve the deadlocks between the warring parties.

South Sudan Peace Process, according to IGAD mediators, made significant progress in the fifth round that was facilitated mostly by the South Sudanese stakeholders, however, the Government and SPLM/SPLA delegations failed to agree, mostly, on power sharing.

The government delegation also decried and accused IGAD, Amb. Seyoum Mesfin and TROIKA for facilitating what the government delegation sees as a regime change through mediation. Michael Makuei Lueth, the Government Spokesman, calls for change of venue and IGAD leadership.

In other reports, the leaders of the warring parties, Salva Kiir and Dr. Machar, are expected to meet after consultations and before the expiry of 45 days period in earlier November, 2014 in Ethiopia.