World leaders convene in Djibouti as SPLM-IO calls for extension of pre-transitional period

Addis Ababa, October 25, 2019 (SSNA) — Representatives of East African and the international community are meeting in Djibouti to assess the status of South Sudan’s 2018 revitalized peace agreement, a senior Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) told the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) on Friday in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.

The official who requested his name not be published because he was not authorized to talk to the media explained that many world special envoys to South Sudan and representatives of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are discussing the fate of the deal, saying the meeting could unlock the outstanding issues, especially security arrangements the government and the armed opposition have been disagreement on.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that world leaders, I mean envoys, East African representatives and other peace stakeholders are meeting in Djibouti now discussing the status of peace,” the official explained.

“We have a situation where the government obstructs peace implementation while at the same time wanting to implement it. This is ridiculous,” added the source.

In another development, the SPLM-IO National Committee for Information and Public Relations Mabior Garang de Mabior released a statement, requesting for an extension of the pre-transitional period. Mabior also explained that security arrangement is not for Dr. Machar and that the armed opposition wants to see SPLA-IO forces, “army, police, prisons, fire brigade, and wildlife services transformed to reflect the national diversity of South Sudan.”

South Sudan President and SPLM-IO leader met on October 19-20 in Juba and attempted to work out the outstanding issues. However, their face-to-face meeting collapse after the two leaders failed to agree on issues related to security arrangements, the status of the number of states, and among others.