Kiir, Machar meets Troika envoys over peace implementation in joint meeting – presidency

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit and teh country’s First Vice President met on Wednesday with representatives of the Troika countries (US, UK and Norway) at the state house J1, and discussed the implementation of the country’s revitalized peace agreement the two men signed in September 2018, according to a statement by the presidency.

The meeting with the Troika envoys comes at a crucial time when concerns are being raised by observers over the status of the deal in light of the continued fighting between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO forces in Central Equatoria state’s Kajo-keji where the two rival armies have been exchanging blames for ceasefire violating.

“On Wednesday, 9 Dec, 2020, H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and H.E the First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar met with the representatives of Troika Countries (U.SA, United Kingdom and Norway) to discuss issues pertaining to the overall implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, most notably, the formation of the State and local Governments,” the presidency said in the statement seen by Sudans Post.

According to the statement, US, UK and Norwegian envoys “welcomed the resolutions of the Presidency meeting this Wednesday 9th December 2020, to establish State and local Governments, and also “were updated on the progress of the unification of forces as stipulated in the security arrangements.”

“The diplomats were further assured by the principals, that despite the enormous challenges facing the implementation of the security arrangement, they are diligently working to ensure its full implementation.

“The representatives of Troika were also briefed on the economic reforms agenda and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy that was already struggling. But more importantly the principals briefed the diplomats on the steps it intends to take in order to ensure a speedy and much needed economic recovery.”