AU praises Machar’s sincere participation in the peace process, urges him to ‘permanently’ relocate to Juba

February 4, 2020 Newsbeat

South Sudan main armed opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny (Photo: File)

February 5th, 2020(SSNN)— The African Union Peace and Security Council has hailed the continued efforts made by the Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-IO, Dr. Riek Machar for his genuine participation in the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

In a communique adopted by the Peace and Security Council at its 905th Meeting held last week, on the situation in South Sudan, the continental body encouraged the opposition leader, Machar to ‘permanently’ relocate to Juba as part of confidence-building efforts.

“PSC welcomes the ongoing participation of Dr. Riek Machar in the implementation of the Peace Agreement, in particular his two weeklong stay in Juba, and encourages him to relocate to Juba permanently as part of the efforts to rebuild South Sudan,” the statement issued by the African Union partly reads.

The Peace and Security Council flatly called on all the Parties to the R-ARCSS to ensure the formation of a unity government by February 22 as agreed in Kampala, Uganda.

“[PSC] urges all parties to unequivocally adhere to the extended deadline of 22 February 2020, the second extension of 100 days for the formation of an inclusive Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), with a view to rebuilding trust and confidence; underscores the importance of committing to and respecting the agreed timelines in the R-ARCSS, to pave way for the effective organisation and creation of a conducive environment for holding national elections at the end of the interim process; which would enable the people of South Sudan to enjoy their democratic right of electing political representatives of their choice.”

The statement commended the Kiir administration for disbursing about 40 million Dollars pledged by the government.

“PSC takes note of the 40 million United States Dollars released by the government for support to the implementation process of the Revitalized Agreement and further calls for the urgent release of the balance of funds required to undertake critical tasks towards the formation of the T-GoNU.”