KHARTOUM – Prominent South Sudan opposition leader Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin has said that lack of political commitment from the government in Juba to implement the revitalized peace agreement is hampering efforts to realize sustainable peace in the world’s youngest country.
Dr. Lam made the comments following a signing, on Monday, of a Declaration of Principles by the government and one faction of South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) in Italy following a 4-day talks.
The agreement which also recommits the parties to a 2017 ceasefire agreement calls for “Establishment of a democratic, and federal system of governance anchored on the principles of separation of power and wealth sharing between various levels of governance in the country.”
Among the points not agreed upon by the parties, but included in the Declaration of Principles, include that “borders and boundaries of South Sudan shall be as of 1/1/1956.”
In an analysis he published on Sudans Post on Thursday, Dr. Lam said the document signed by the parties has not deviated from the revitalized peace agreement, saying the R-ARCSS, if implemented with will, addresses the challenges raised by all the opposition and thus can bring sustainable peace.
“From the foregoing analysis, it is crystal clear that the Declaration of Principles between RTGoNU and SSOMA signed by the two parties in Rome on 12 October 2020 has not deviated from the provisions of the R-ARCSS,” Dr. Lam said.
“This includes even if the points not yet agreed were to be settled in favour of SSOMA. Point No. 7 is valid in the sense that it restated a principle agreed in the CPA in 2005 but in its inclusion in the TRCSS 2011 wasn’t clear enough.
“After the long journey now, it is fairly obvious that R-ARCSS offered a good opportunity for the people of South Sudan to enjoy a sustainable peace if implemented in letter and spirit. The real problem facing the country now is in the lack of will of the Government in Juba to implement the R-ARCSS as agreed. This is where all efforts should be directed.”
