Opposition Faction Boycott Talks Over Alleged Attacked On Their Position In Nassir

A total of nine opposition group on Monday boycotted talks in Addis Ababa, claiming that their base in Nassir has been recently attacked by the government.

 

The opposition members walked out of the revitalization hall and went for consultations meeting. This is what the opposition spokesperson said:  “We would like to bring to the attention of the people of South Sudan and the World at large, that the government of South Sudan, that is [a] partner in peace process has demonstrated lack of seriousness and political will to negotiate in good faith.” Lasu explains.

 

“The government continues its attack on opposition positions throughout the country the latest of which is in Nyatot in Nasir area today, [Monday], He adds.

 

Dr Kwaje says the opposition demands urgent investigations by CTSAMM to the violations.

 

The opposition groups also want the government to withdraw its forces from the areas under their control.

 

Government spokesperson, Michael Makuei, says the SPLM-IO, Riek Machar’s faction fought with civilians and the government is not part of the attack.

“Rebels of Riek Machar have been attacking civilians and preventing them from entering Nasir. And any citizen who enters Nasir his cattle are taken in the village. So, the people decided to react to that. And in the course of reaction, they have been fighting actually with the rebels for the last two days. And today, they managed at last to dislodged the rebels and recover their looted cattle.” “All that happen the government is not a party to it”, Makuei claims.

 

Any alleged violation should be reported to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism or CTSAMM to verify and bring report.

 

Civil society organizations, mediators of the revitalization forum are exerting efforts to convince the oppositions to return to the discussion hall.

 

The discussion of Monday was supposed to start with setting up committees for permanent ceasefire and transitional security arrangements.

More to follow shortly.....