JUBA – A genuine dialogue between South Sudan’s transitional government of national unity and the people affected by their governance failures is crucial for fostering understanding, reconciliation and progress in the nation, an opposition coalition said.
The Coalition of Opposition Parties (COOP) was responding to the recent developments surrounding the revitalized peace agreement in South Sudan, in which it said there has been a noticeable shift towards a growing call for dialogue among the signatories.
According to the opposition parties’ coalition, however, position papers released by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) have highlighted the urgent need for meaningful dialogue to address the ongoing challenges hindering the democratic transition process.
“It is evident that the time allocated for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (RARCSS) has elapsed, underscoring the necessity for a new approach that prioritizes the voices and concerns of the people who continue to endure the devastating impact of conflict and instability in South Sudan,” partly a statement issued by the opposition parties’ coalition.
It said the voices of those suffering under the leadership of the transitional government of national unity to be heard as well as given a platform for constructive engagement.
“By creating an inclusive dialogue space where both parties can openly communicate and address concerns, there is an opportunity for meaningful change and collaboration towards a better future for all citizens,” stressed COOP’s statement.
The parties extended an invitation to those ready to participate in an inclusive dialogue.
“Together, we can strive towards building a more transparent, accountable, and responsive governance system that genuinely represents the interests and needs of the people,” concluded the statement from the opposition parties’ coalition.
South Sudan has never seen election since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. It is expected to hold its first elections in December of this year.
