Guns down? S. Sudan gives dialogue a chance in a fresh deal brokered in Kenya

NAKURU, Kenya, Mar,11 – Years of bloodshed brought about by a civil war and constant conflict between government and opposition leaders in recent years in South Sudan could become a thing of the past, if the recent dialogue between the two warring parties is anything to go by.

The leaders have signed the declaration of recommitment to the cessation of hostilities that long marred the nation causing more than 4 million of its citizens to be displaced, many fleeing across East African countries like Uganda and Kenya.

The consensus is said to have been struck during the three day talks in Naivasha, Nakuru where both General Pagan Amum Okiech, the leader of the Real SPLM, General Paul Malong Aswan leader of South Sudan United Front Army (SSUF/A) and Barnaba Marial Benjamin who is a special advisor to President Salva Kiir exuded confidence in the process collectively saying that, “huge strides have been made to find blasting solution.”

The parties have already agreed and resolved 95 percent of their difference in a truce that is being brokered by Sant’Egidio community of Rome.

General Amum who said his people have suffered enough following years of bloodshed said that laying down arms was a step in the right direction.

“We are very proud to have signed this declaration of recommitment to the cessation of hostilities. Though we come from different political affiliations, we are one united country and the parties are committed to resolving the problems facing our country, ” General Pagan Amum Okiech, the leader of the Real SPLM said.

The declaration recommits the parties to the Rome process while agreeing to continue with political dialogue as part of peace process meant to address the root cause of the conflict.

Meanwhile, General Paul Malong Aswan, the leader of South Sudan United Front Army recognized the internal scramble for natural resources was partly to blame for the violence, calling on South Sudanese to rally together and enjoy what he called, “God’s gift.”

“East Africa is very important. South Sudan must wok together to ensure peace for our people. We are committed to this peace process which is meant to unite our country and we thank the Kenyan government which has stood by us through out the entire process,” General Malong said.

“It is our combined responsibility that we will be able to do our utmost to bring peace to our people, who have been yearning. They need stability. South Sudan should be a part of the decent countries and dignified in East Africa. We are sure we leave here with something tangible solutions that we will give peace to our people,” Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Advisor S.Sudan Government said.

South Sudan is set to mark its 10 years of independence on July 9.

Kenya’s special envoy to South Sudan Kalonzo Musyoka praised the warring parties for making the bold steps saying peace and stability must be the guiding force to unify the nation.

“The cease fire arrangement must continue to hold. We pray the people of South Sudan and the government will be able to complete the final stages, for instance the reunification of the armed forces . We also hope these talks will address the remaining hurdles in finding a lasting solution and stability to South Sudan and culminate in general elections, ” the former Vice President said

The peace talks are a complimentary initiative to the ongoing efforts by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

An estimated 380,000 people are said to have lost their lives since the civil war broke out.