President Kiir ready to sign peace deal, says UN envoy
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar last week inked an agreement to end the war. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- Kiir and Machar signed a cease-fire in Sudan last week and signaled they’re ready to make their second attempt at sharing power in a transitional administration since the war began, before holding elections.
- The conflict that began in the East African nation in December 2013 has left tens of thousands of people dead and driven 4 million others from their homes, with both sides accused of atrocities.
The United Nations deputy secretary-general has said the South Sudanese President Salva Kiir is ready to sign a peace deal with the main rebel leader.
“Kiir believes strongly in the peace process and the accord will be signed with insurgent leader Riek Machar,” the UN’s Amina Mohammed said on Wednesday in the capital, Juba, after meeting the president.
According to Ms Mohammed, this is a further sign the warring parties may form a transitional government to end the more than four-year civil war.
Kiir and Machar signed a cease-fire in Sudan last week and signalled they’re ready to make their second attempt at sharing power in a transitional administration since the war began, before holding elections.
The conflict that began in the East African nation in December 2013 has left tens of thousands of people dead and driven 4 million others from their homes, with both sides accused of atrocities.
Peace deal
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar last week inked an agreement to end the war.
The two met in Khartoum on Monday to continue their face-to-face talks and mute all the stumbling blocks to the peace in the young nation.
On Tuesday, the two leaders reached compromises on a number of outstanding issues.
Temporary basis
The areas agreed upon include a permanent ceasefire, cantonments for all forces and the deployment of forces by Igad and the African Union to safeguard the ceasefire.
President Kiir and Dr Machar further agreed to have three capital cities; namely Juba, Wau and Malakal on temporary basis to host the three proposed vice-presidents.
According to the signed Framework Agreement, seen by the media, the two rivals agreed to allow the Khartoum government to secure the oil fields in South Sudan in coordination with the Juba administration, and to rehabilitate the wells to restore the previous levels of production.
They also declared to work together again for the third time after their long disagreement proved difficult for peace and stability.
Sudanese President Omar Bashir on Monday promised to end the war in South Sudan and pave the way for rigorous development in the war-torn state.
His promise seems to be bearing positive results on the peace process.
