Juba, South Sudan,
November, 30, 2021 – A South Sudanese civil society organization, the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has welcomed calls for the resumption of the Rome peace initiative between the government and hold-out oppositions under the umbrella of South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA).
While officially closing the 5th Governors’ Forum on Monday, South Sudan President Salva Kiir announced the resumption of the Rome peace talks with the holdout opposition groups under the auspices of the Community of Sant’ Egidio.
According to the CEPO Executive Director, Edmund Yakani, the dialogue remains the only way to resolve political differences and therefore, he urges the parties to embrace this opportunity to iron out their political differences.
“Dialogue remains the only option for a durable solution to political difference. This is embraced by many actors across the region and globally,” he said.
“CEPO appealed to South Sudan government and the opposition alliance members to fully utilize the Rome peace initiative to ensure that peace prevails.” the Executive Director continued.
Yakani said the president’s directive clearly shows political differences can no longer be resolved through the barrels of guns but on the table.
CEPO further called on parties involved in talks mediated by the Community of Sant’ Egidio to focus on security, humanitarian, economic and governance issues.
Early this year, South Sudan government and the opposition alliance signed the Rome Declaration agreement and committed to immediately cease hostilities; however, the talks were later suspended in August following rising militant attacks along highways in Equatorian region.
