Peace talks between South Sudan gov’t, rebel groups to resume in Rome – mediation envoy  

JUBA – Discussions on declaration of principles and recommitment to cessation of hostilities are set to resume in Rome between the government and the holdout opposition groups, according to a mediation envoy.

This came following a meeting between President Kiir and Secretary General of the Community of Saint’ Egidio, Paolo Impagliazzo on Friday at the State House.

The two discussed the recent achievements of Rome initiative to end conflict between the unity government and dissident leaders Paul Malong, Pagan Amum and Thomas Cirilo.

The Secretary General of the Community of Sant’Egidio, Paolo Impagliazzo said they are planning to resume talks to end the conflict in South Sudan.

“We planning to have another meeting with the SSOMA group of Thomas Cirilo and the government of South Sudan to discuss the Declaration of Principles and recommitment to cessation of hostilities,” he told the media on Friday.

Impagliazzo said the meeting will enable the parties to discuss and bring about lasting peace in the country.

“The meeting aims at ending clashes in Central Equatoria State and to relieve the population from the difficult situation they are facing,” he added.

In March 2021, the two parties at peace talks ongoing signed a declaration of principles in Naivasha, Kenya.

The 15-point document signed by all parties covers issues related to land, rule of law, security reforms, and proper management of state resources.

The peace talks started in 2019 by the Rome-based Catholic Community of Sant’Egidio.

The mediation is aimed at supporting an inclusive peace agreement in South Sudan by persuading the holdout groups to join the revitalized peace deal signed in September 2018.