Pagak/Addis Ababa, September 10, 2015 (SSNA) — South Sudan’s rebels on Thursday ratified the IGAD-Plus’s compromise peace agreement and vowed to fully implement the internationally-backed pact.
The move happens the same day South Sudan’s national parliament ratified the same agreement.
The endorsement of the power-sharing deal by the senior leaders of the SPLM/A-IO was announced by rebel Spokesman James Gatdet Dak in a press statement.
“National Liberation Council of SPLM/SPLA on Thursday, September 10, 2015, in Pagak deliberated on and unanimously ratified the peace agreement on the resolution of the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan,” Gadet said.
“SPLM/SPLA-[In Opposition] is committed to full implementation of the accord,” he added.
Gatdet disclosed that rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar was chosen by the council to become the next Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan in the transitional government of national unity which must be formed within 90 days after the deal was signed.
“Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM/SPLA, Comrade Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, has also been nominated by the Council to the post of the First Vice President in accordance with the power sharing in the Agreement,” he revealed.
The armed opposition also said its senior military commanders are ready to “participate in the workshop on ceasefire and implementation of the transitional security arrangements,” adding that the rebel leadership is set to discuss other issues pertaining to the implementation of the deal.