South Sudanese officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) have engaged in crucial discussions with the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing bilateral relations and the intricate challenges surrounding the nation’s peace agreement.

Puok Both Baluong, a Spokesperson for First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, delineated the proceedings of the previous day’s sessions and provided insights into subsequent discussions.

“There were two separate meetings,” Puok said. “The initial session involved the first vice president, where bilateral relations were the focal point, exploring avenues for mutual development between our nations.”

“In the second meeting,” Puok continued, “representatives from the SPLM-IO, including the road map implementation committee, deliberated the peace process’s implementation and encountered challenges.”

Transitioning to the day’s activities, Puok revealed, “Today, President Ramaphosa continued discussions with South Sudanese officials and peace agreement stakeholders. The agenda extended to detailed deliberations on the previously addressed charter, followed by a closed-door session with the first vice president, centered on peace agreement implementation.”

Puok elaborated on the outcome of SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar’s meeting with President Ramaphosa, stating, “SPLM-IO’s stance on the peace implementation process has remained resolute, delineated in our documented position. We’ve outlined implemented chapters, pending ones, and proposed solutions for these outstanding issues.”

He stressed, “The peace implementation is progressing slowly, and it’s crucial for the signatories to step up their efforts to achieve full implementation.”

Expounding on this, Puok reiterated, “We are unwavering in our commitment to fully implement the revitalized peace agreement. We believe this agreement serves as a reform document targeting the overhaul of institutions in South Sudan, encompassing political, economic, security, and judicial sectors. It’s imperative that it be executed both in principle and practice.”

He mentioned that, “The first vice president also discussed with the president of South Africa the SPLM-IO’s stance on implementing the peace agreement and holding elections in the country, which are integral aspects of the revitalized agreement. Additionally, he provided updates on the SPLM-IO’s position on various issues.”

Puok clarified the SPLM-IO’s position, stating, “We support holding elections in the country, but it's essential to establish a conducive environment for a peaceful, fair, and credible electoral process. It’s crucial that the election results are accepted by all signatories to the peace agreement.”

Puok stated that the meeting primarily revolved around implementing the peace agreement. “Yesterday, a scheduled meeting between President Kiir, vice presidents, and leaders of other political parties aimed to finalize discussions on remaining agendas. Consequently, the meeting did not cover many other topics.”

The focus of the meeting was also to bolster the bilateral relationship between the two nations. South Africa serves as one of the guarantors of the peace agreement in South Sudan.