Kiir and Riek accept responsibility for war, SPLM factions pledge reunification
Published: 21 October 2014
Link to web article here.
Feuding factions of the SPLM have pledged reunification in an agreement in Arusha, Tanzania, under the auspices of Tanzania's ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi.
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Photo: Heads of delegation showing the signed framework for intra-SPLM dialogue. Credit: Dr Lual A Deng |
In what the rebel spokesman, Mabior Garang has described as "historic", the SPLM signed an agreement pledging reunification of the two breakaway factions.
The agreement comes after face to face negotiations between President Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar. Although it is nothing close to a final agreement, the factions pledged themselves to reunite.
Parallel negotiations will continue in Ethiopia for a transitional government of unity, and reintegration of rebel soldiers into the national army, the SPLA. These talks are expected to resume on the 27th of October.
The Arusha talks were exclusively intra-SPLM, and aimed at addressing its internal affairs.
The also leaders acknowledged their "collective responsibility for the crisis in South Sudan that has taken a great toll on the lives and properties of our people," in a communique.
There shall be a follow-up meeting in a fortnight, "with the aim of expediting the processing with utmost efficiency, determination and commitment," the communique read.
