Addis Ababa/Pagak Peace Initiative
On November 7, 2015, the National Liberation Council (NLC) of the South Sudanese armed opposition, led by former Vice President Riek Machar, proclaimed the impending deployment of an advance team to the nation's capital, Juba. This is a pivotal movement in the ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the conflict-ridden country since the agreement was brokered by IGAD-Plus.
Commitment to Peaceful Resolutions
The announcement came with a stern resolve from the rebel faction, clarifying its commitment to the comprehensive implementation of the peace deal. A 500-member team, carefully selected and steered by senior officials, is scheduled to arrive in Juba to commence this crucial phase.
Setting the Stage for Reconstruction
The rebel leadership emphasized the need for Juba and other states to provide a "conducive environment" for the peace implementation. The underlying expectation is that success hinges on adherence to the protocols set in the peace accord, specifically relating to constitutional amendments and power-sharing.
Rebellion Against the 28 States Order
A notable resistance has been mounted against the government's recent decree to increase the number of states within the country to 28. Rebels denounce this act as a violation of the peace framework and call upon President Kiir to retract the decree in favor of the agreed-upon terms.
Peace Promotion Mission Across South Sudan
Furthermore, the rebels plan to conduct expansive visits to nine states to promote the peace message and its tenets as part of their obligation to propagate unity. Such gestures come as a call to action for both parties to mutually champion the spread of peace.
Blueprint for a Transitional Government
The outlook for the formation of a transitional government appears hopeful, with a timeline loosely scheduled for establishment sometime between mid-December 2015 and January 15, 2016. The creation of this unity government is anticipated to occur within 90 days following the signing of the agreement. Yet, caution is expressed by the rebels that this formation is dependent on the progress during the preliminary stages of the peace agreement's implementation.
Dr. Machar's Anticipated Return to Juba
Dr. Machar’s return to Juba to form a coalition government with President Kiir is proposed to unfold when political, security, and logistical considerations align with the framework of the peace deal. Contrary to circulating media reports of an imminent arrival with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, opposition representatives have labeled such claims as inaccurate.
The Pulse of the Peace Process
While the exact date for the advance team’s journey to Juba remains unannounced, continuous dialogue takes place. Sessions aimed at educating military leaders and the civilian population about the details and execution of the peace deal have been initiated in Pagak, the rebel headquarters.
Implications for Travel and Accommodation
With these developments, South Sudan witnesses a hopeful surge in domestic travel, anticipating the arrival of the peace delegations. As Juba prepares to welcome members of the advance team, the city's hospitality sector stands by to offer suitable accommodations, reinforcing the efforts toward a harmonious transition and the enduring importance of peaceful endeavors.