Addis Ababa, August 24, 2015 (SSNA) — South Sudanese rebels said they have kicked off “campaign for peace” in Ethiopia after they have accepted and signed the IGAD-Plus’s compromise peace agreement, adding that the people of South Sudan should work for “democratic changes.”
On his Facebook’s page, rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar posted messages which he attributed to peace. He said hard work is needed to avoid US-backed punitive measures that are currently being debated at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The leader of the armed opposition noticed that UN sanctions are difficult to reverse after they are imposed.
“We need series work on this peace where IGAD should work tirelessly to avoid sanctions which are at the corner to be impose on our country. Sanctions are always difficult to be reverse, it takes times to reverse it,” Machar wrote.
“We would declare it to the whole world that we are committed to peace, politically and economically. SPLM has already kicked off the campaign for peace here in Addis Ababa Ethiopia and we have to say yes for peace,” he declared.
The Former South Sudanese Vice President said his main rival Salva Kiir should sign the IGAD-Plus mediated proposal to avoid sanctions.
“Therefore I want government of South Sudan to sign peace to avoid arm embargo, travel ban and flight zone restriction impose on our country,” Machar warned.
The rebel chief also said the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) is for peace and calls on the people to work hard for democratic changes, cultural diversity, and respect for human rights.
Rebel officials at the campaign for peace rally in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, told the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) that the ongoing peace campaign shows they are committed to finding a peaceful solution to the raging civil war.