The first Vice-President of South Sudan Riek Machar has said that peace was the only option for stability in the country, during the opening of his political party’s conference.
He said there had been “violations” of the a peace agreement and a “lack of political will” from some parties.
But he insisted his party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), was committed to its implementation.
“These violations are a clear demonstration of lack of political will and commitment to implementation of transitional security arrangements. Despite the slow progress in the implementation of the agreement, we are optimistic and, I repeat, we are optimistic that peace shall prevail.” Mr Machar, told the delegates during the opening of the sixth national conference of SPLM-IO in the capital, Juba, on Tuesday.
Mr Machar told members of his party to prepare for elections at the end of the transitional period.
He also urged President Salva Kiir to re-commit to the implementation of peace agreement they both signed.
Mr Machar and his main political rival, Mr Kiir, formed a unity government in February after six years of conflict, which saw thousands killed and millions displaced from their homes.
Source: BBC
