South Sudan activist decries gov’t suspension of talks with rebels

JUBA – A prominent South Sudan activist has expressed disappointment at the government in Juba for suspending peace talks with holdout opposition groups in Italy and said the government decision to pull out of talks is a great disappointment to Pope Francis.

South Sudan government in a letter addressed to the community of Sant’Egidio, the mediator, said it is suspending talks with rebels and accused them of buying time with the peace talks in order to prepare for an all-out war against the government.

In a statement, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Edmund Yakani said he is disappointed by the government withdrawal from peace negotiations with opposition groups and said disagreements at the talks should be handled without the need to suspend the initiative.

“CEPO is so disappointed about the suspension of the Rome peace talks by the government. It is essential that Rome peace talks should continue whatever the disagreement is among the conflicting parties to the Rome peace talks under the community of Sant’Egidio,” Yakani said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

“The Rome peace talks is part of the action to deliver the kiss of Pope Francis on the feet of our political leaders. The suspension of the Rome peace talks is a demotivation of the spirit for successful transitional process in South Sudan from violence to peace,” the statement added.

Yakani further pointed out that time was running out and that the leaders owes responsibility towards their people to achieve peace in the world’s youngest country and that differences between the government and the opposition groups should be resolved amicable.

“Time has come for our political leaders to take primary responsibility for making peace prevail. The option of resolving political differences through the use of gun is harmful to the society and human growth,” Yakani stressed.

“Finally, CEPO is urging the members of the 6^th governors forum to help in lobbying the government to get to the table of Roma peace talks,” the CEPO statement further said.