By William Madouk
President Salva Kiir and newly appointed deputy for Sudan Transitional Sovereign Council, Malik Agar held talks in Juba and pledged commitment to restore peace and stability in Sudan.
Sudanese military leader, General Abdel Fattah al Burhan recently replaced his former deputy Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti with Gen. Malik Agar, who is also the chairman of SPLM-North (Agar faction).
On Monday, the Sudanese military leader dispatched his new deputy Malik Agar to Juba to discuss the latest developments and create mutual relations with South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who also heads IGAD mediation team.
According to President Kiir’s face book page, the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and ways to bring an end to the conflict in Sudan.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reiterated his commitment towards the restoration of peace and stability in Sudan,” reads the Facebook page, in part.
Speaking to the media after their meeting, Gen. Agar called for an end to the raging conflict in Sudan, describing it as a senseless war.
He reaffirmed support to President Kiir’s efforts in persuading the warring parties to settle their disputes through dialogue, noting that Juba remains ideal place for peace talks.
“It is our duty to stop the war in Sudan and reach logical solutions through dialogue,” Agar was quoted.
Reacting to his appointment last week, Gen. Agar stated that he accepted the assignment not as a substitute for anyone but for interest of the Sudanese people.
“I accepted the assignment to assume the position of Vice President of the Sovereign Council, not as a substitute for anyone, and not as siding with any party other than Sudan and the interest of its citizens first and foremost,” he added.
Meanwhile, Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, Tut Gatluak Manime said President Kiir is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the conflict in Sudan comes to a comprehensive end.
Last week, the acting minister of Foreign Affairs, Deng Dau said that South Sudan is neutral in mediating Sudan’s conflict.
He also explained that President Kiir is engaging the two Sudanese warring parties based on the IGAD initiative which assigned him to lead the talks.
This was after the government of Sudan presented its mysterious protest letter over a visit by Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo’s representative, Mr. Izzat Youssef to meet president Kiir for talks, in Juba.
Mr. Dau assured that the bilateral ties between the two countries remain intact and there were no diplomatic jitters because South Sudan is only doing all these exercise on behalf of IGAD.