By Yiep Joseph
Vice President Taban Deng Gai, Chairperson of the Infrastructure Cluster, has reiterated President Salva Kiir’s commitment to implementing the 2018 peace agreement.
VP Gai made the remarks during a meeting with Ethiopia’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Nebil Mahdi, on Friday, according to a statement shared with the media.
The Vice President’s statement comes as the 2018 peace agreement continues to face significant challenges, including political tensions and reported confrontations between signatory parties.
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed important matters concerning peace implementation and bilateral infrastructure development.
VP Gai emphasized that despite existing hurdles, President Kiir and the government remain dedicated to ensuring the peace agreement is fully implemented and are committed to preventing any violence that could derail the process.
“The vice president reaffirmed the commitment of H.E. President Salva Kiir to not returning the country back to war,” the statement partly read.
He appealed to Ethiopian governments to support South Sudan in the security arrangements as a crucial part of the 2018 peace agreement.
On his part, Ambassador Nebil Mahdi recalled the historical ties between Ethiopia and South Sudan and the importance.
He Promised that the Federal Democratic Republic remain committed to supporting South Sudan in many areas such as peace and development among others.
The meeting of the two leaders also focused on the collaboration between Ethiopia and South Sudan on the road project connecting Ethiopia and South Sudan through Pagak-Malakal, with the ultimate goal of promoting peace and regional connectivity.
The Vice president appreciated the government and the people of Ethiopia and reassured the ambassador that South Sudan’s government is committed to implementing peace and bringing stability across the country.
In March, the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) reaffirmed its commitment to the 2018 peace agreement, assuring the public that it would not lead the country back to war.
Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, who also serves as the government spokesperson, made this statement during a media briefing.
His comments came in response to concerns raised by the public regarding the arrest of members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) in Juba.
In his address to journalists, Makuei reiterated President Salva Kiir’s commitment to preventing the country from returning to conflict.
“All these activities seem to be taking people back to war, we are not taking people back to war that is why we are talking, if we are taking people back to war we could have work in silence,” Makuei said.
“Our president (Salva Kiir) has committed himself several times once and every time that he will not take you back to war, so we are not taking anybody to war,” he added.
“All that is happening these are normal ups and downs in the implementation of any agreement so people should not just be frightened that the agreement is collapsing,” he expressed.
Makuei urged the public to remain calm, assuring them that the government is fully in control of the current challenges facing the peace agreement.