Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Rome Peace Talks received the last breath of resuscitation as Pope Francis touched down at Juba International Airport to begin his three-day visit.
In his first address during the papal visit at the Presidential Palace, President Salva Kiir lifted the suspension on the talks as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifice made by the pontiff to visit South Sudan and ensure total peace.
“In honor of the Holy Father Pope Francis’ historic visit to our country and our declaration of 2023 as the year of peace and reconciliation, I am officially announcing the lifting of the suspension of the Rome Peace talks with the Holdout Groups,” President Kiir announced.
But with the papal delegation having cleared their mission in the country, the weight of commitment now lies on the shoulders of the government and the holdout groups, some of which continue to doubt the viability of the talks.
The need to bring all the holdout groups to Juba to be part of the current revitalised government is paramount to ensuring permanent peace for the people of South Sudan.
Although the non-signatories to the peace agreement went along with the agreement with the government, several violations have been reported.
The talks have had several setbacks that have been an obstacle for the parties to agree and put the country on the path of inclusive peace. However, the Sant Egidio community remains steadfast in its determination to make it happen for the people of South Sudan.
The Saint-Egidio-led mediation is aimed at supporting an inclusive peace agreement in South Sudan by persuading the hold-out group to join the revitalized peace deal signed in September 2018.
The Rome Peace Talks appear to have been marred by blame games between the government and non-signatories to the peace agreement, as well as abrupt suspensions and violations of what was agreed upon.
In November 2022, the government of South Sudan suspended its participation in the Rome peace talks, accusing the non-signatories and the South Sudanese Opposition Groups of “lacking commitment” and preparing for war.
In reply, the holdouts blamed the government for refusing to implement the Rome Peace Talks while continuing to violate them and for using “delay tactics.”
Despite the escalating blame games among the parties to the Rome Peace Talks, the Sant’ Egidio community vowed not to abandon the peace process and to continue to persuade both groups to reach an agreement.
Early this month, on his trip to South Sudan, the secretary-general of the Community of Sant’Egidio, Paolo Impagliazzo, welcomed the decision by the government of South Sudan to resume talks with the hold-out opposition groups after the Pope’s visit last week.
Paolo promised to consult with the government in Juba, as well as the holdout group, to ensure that peace prevails in the country.
However, on Saturday, Mauro Garofag, head of international relations for the community of Sant’Egidio, confirmed to the media in Juba that the talks would resume in either February or March.
He expressed that the community of Sant’ Egidio remains ready to ensure that peace is achieved in all corners of South Sudan.
Last year, Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the head of government delegates to the Rome peace talks, made encouraging statements about the government’s willingness to resume talks with the holdout group and to respect the agreement.
This comes nearly three months after he announced the indefinite suspension of the peace process following the August 16 attack along the Juba-Nimule highway, which claimed the lives of two Catholic nuns.
However, Kiir called on the holdout groups, to express honest engagement with the government to achieve lasting peace.
He appealed to the non-signatories of the South Sudan Opposition Group to reciprocate and engage honestly with the government to achieve inclusive peace in the country.
Kiir expressed the government’s commitment and willingness to sit down and resume talks with the holdout group.
‘Don’t believe yet’
However, South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) Spokesperson, Garang Malual Deng, said they are always ready to sit with the government for the sake of bringing peace to the people of South Sudan.
“We have been consistent on issues regarding peace talks with the government; our position is that any time they want talks, we are ready,” Garang said.
He welcomed the move by the government to lift the suspension, although he said the timeliness was suspect and the government’s commitment was still in doubt.
In his address to the South Sudanese leaders, Pope Francis called on them to make a clear commitment to ending the violence in the country.
“No more bloodshed, conflicts, violence, and mutual recriminations over who is to blame; no more leaving your people thirsty for peace.” No more destruction; it is time to build. “Leave the time of war behind and let a time of peace dawn,” the Pope said.
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