By William Madouk
Former governor of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Kuel Aguer has joined the Nairobi peace talks between the Government of South Sudan and the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA).
Civil society activist, Edmund Yakani who is also in Nairobi confirmed to this outlet that Aguer jetted Nairobi and joined the peace talks as the head of the People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) delegation.
“I would to take this opportunity to confirm to the citizens that the former governor of NBGs, Kuel Aguer Kuel, who is the head of the delegation for PCCA has arrived in Nairobi safely from Juba and he has joined the meditation table,” Yakani told this outlet.
He commended the government for implementing the outcome of the Nairobi peace processes.
“This is part of the commitment of the declaration that asks for widening the civic space and release of the detainees, this is a very good one and this is a confirmation that the government is committed,” he added.
Yakani further called on the president to extend his mercy and release former mayor of Juba city, Kalisto Lado, activist Mabior Morris and Ajak Peter from the detentions.
“I am pledging to H.E the president that the same spirit that led Kuel Aguer to leave Juba and join peace talks in Nairobi, should be extended toward the release of the former mayor of Juba, Kalisto Lado and Mabior Morris and Ajak Peter,” he appealed.
Mr. Yakani who is optimistic about the Nairobi peace process urged the public not to listen to propaganda, adding that the ‘Nairobi peace process is going in the right direction.’
“let’s pray and let us support Nairobi peace processes because it offers us an opportunity of seeking a successful political transition from violence to peace through implementation of peace outcome,”
In yesterday’s agenda, activist said substantial negotiation would focus on the political governance, security arrangement, economic and social issues, justice and constitutional making process.
“These are the thematic areas that today [yesterday] we are starting proper negotiation of those protocols.”
Aguer was arrested and charged in 2021. He was accused of attempting to overthrow the government.
The former governor linked with the People’s Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) stayed in custody for 17 months.
He was linked to the outlawed group after he allegedly signed a declaration that was calling for regime change.
The South Sudanese politician signed the PCCA declaration as a representative of the South Sudan intellectuals’ group. The other signatories were civil society activist Rajab Mohandis and Abraham Awolich, a renowned researcher, both of whom fled the country.
After he was acquitted, the ex-state boss vowed to continue his ‘criticism’ of the government.