South Sudan leader calls for respecting peace deal

By Benjamin Takpiny

JUBA, South Sudan (AA) - South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Tuesday called on all parties to maintain the spirit of peace deal for the sake of their people and country.

Kiir said the parties to the agreement had reach a consensus to extend the pre-transitional period by another six months ending in November 2019, in order to complete the implementation of importance pre-transitional tasks, especially in relation to security agreements.

South Sudan plunged into war in 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup.

Under the peace deal signed last year, Kiir had agreed to set up a unity government with Machar. But the formation of the new government, initially scheduled to take office on May 12, was postponed for six months.

“We hope that we get it right this time and avoid any mistake that could potentially return us to another conflict,” he said while addressing the nation on the South Sudan’s Independence Day.

He said that there is peace throughout the country despite the “negligible disruptions” that originate from National Salvation Front (NAS) forces loyal to Gen. Thomas Cirillio, who refused to sign the agreement.

“I have no doubt that with the full implementation of peace agreement, security will return to South Sudan. Our economy will thrive and we will be able to better deliver important services for our people such as schools, hospitals clean drinking water and create jobs for our people,” the president said.