Gov’t accepts inclusion of SPLM-IO in Rome talks after Pagan, Cirilo demanded

JUBA – South Sudan government has accepted a demand by the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA) to include other opposition groups including the main armed opposition group, SPLM-IO, according to information minister Michael Makuei Lueth.

Earlier this month, the SSOMA which comprises of Real-SPLM led by Pagan Amum, National Salvation Front (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirilo Swaka, and South Sudan United Front (SSUF/A) led by General Paul Malong, expressed reservation in a list of negotiators belonging to the government in Juba.

They demanded that other parties including the SPLM-IO be included in the Rome process so that the peace talk and future agreements be transparent.

Speaking to Sudans Post this morning, former foreign affairs minister and head of the government delegation to the Rome talk Barnaba Marial Benjamin said the government has decided to included two SPLM-IO representatives, one from the SSOA, one from OPP and the other from Former Detainees.

“Yes that is true because we have decided to revisit the list and included two from the SPLM-IO and one from each of teh remaining three parties to the revitalized peace agreement,” Marial said.

The process is going to be started next week and our delegation will arrive as soon as our tickets are given,” the senior government official further said.