By Bida Elly David
The National Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro has admitted that the implementation of peace agreement is on slow move amidst government being the only guarantor for its progress.
Minister Lomuro made the statement in a meeting with the United States Delegation who came to follow up progress in the implementation of revitalized peace agreement last Friday.
Speaking during the meeting in the office of the President, Dr. Lomuro said government has been investing much of its efforts towards completion of the remaining bills to pave way for the accomplishment of peace the agreement, but all has been impeded with financial constraints, pausing the move.
“The implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement is solely being funded by the government and it is the reason why there is slow progress because government does not have enough funds to complete the whole process. All along, government has been the one standing for the progress of the peace process whether being financially or logistically. With this challenge, this process has no option rather than slowing down,” he said.
The minister further said that, the high level of desperation is that the whole world is demanding the country to hold general elections, without critically analyzing the challenges faced in regards to its impediments.
Lomuro reiterated that government and the political parties have so far met most of the provisions despite few that need to be deliberated on, such that it can open doors for the implementation.
“We know that the whole world wants South Sudan to hold a democratic election without understanding the constraints we are facing to lead us to the general elections,” Dr. Lomuro said.
“With the current passive move of the peace process, democratic elections will not happen if there is no cooperation and engagement from the political parties involved in the agreement. Most of the provisions in the peace agreement have been accomplished what is remaining can be addressed in due course of time through affirmative action driven from the hard work of political parties,” he added.
The cabinet minister underlined that government pitied the blood-pour of most citizens through series of wars, as well as ethnic conflicts that have broken things apart and displaced many innocent civilians.
He said government is committed to ensuring quick mitigation of conflicts facing the country, through the implementation of the agreement.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit is working hard to lead the country towards stability and political democracy. We know and put into consideration the suffering of the innocent souls amid series of the conflicts in the country and we hope for everlasting peace in the country,” Lomuro said.