SPLM intra-party dialogue resumes in Addis Ababa
The SPLM Intra-party dialogue between members of the Political Bureau from the faction of Salva Kiir and the faction of the ‘G7’ former detainees resumed in Addis Ababa today. The initiative was launched earlier this month by the Ethiopian prime minister, whose party is facilitating the talks.
Facilitators of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) have described the initiative as the “SPLM Leadership Review and Self-Assessment Forum.” Sources close to the talks told Radio Tamazuj that the present round of dialogue will continue for two days.
Reportedly, facilitators contacted the rebel leader Riek Machar to join the dialogue, but he is said to have declined to take part, saying the problems within the ruling party have become a national problem.
Members of their delegation in Addis Ababa have boycotted the intra-party dialogue, explaining the situation has already passed beyond the Political Bureau level and become a national issue.
The SPLM/A-in-Opposition says that though it shares the vision of the G7 faction in the dialogue, they differ over the use of armed means to achieve their end.
Photo: Members of the Political Bureau at the launch of the SPLM intra-party dialogue on 5 April 2014 (Radio Tamazuj)
Related coverage: