South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The government stated on Monday that the ongoing trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny would not hinder the implementation of the 2018 peace deal.
Speaking during the celebration of the 76th anniversary of China in Juba, Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, emphasised that Machar’s trial does not have a direct impact on the implementation of peace and the progress towards peace and democratic transition.
“In this regard, I must stress that the ongoing investigations involving His Excellency’s leadership are not directly connected to the implementation of peace and the leap towards peace and democratic transition,” Lomuro said.
Dr. Lomuro reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implement the 2018 peace deal.
“Ladies and gentlemen, His Excellency’s distinguished guests, allow me to affirm South Sudan’s commitment to the implementation of a revitalised peace agreement for the resolution of conflict in the Republic of South Sudan,” he said.
He added that the government is determined to ensure elections are held by December 2026.
“The parties to the agreement remain committed to concluding the transitional period through three fair elections in December 2026.”
“We are determined to ensure that this process paves the way for lasting peace, unity, and stability in our country,” he said.
The high-profile trial of South Sudan’s suspended Vice President Riek Machar is raising fresh concerns about peace and stability in the country.
Machar appeared in court last week in Juba, caged alongside seven co-defendants, facing charges ranging from treason and crimes against humanity to terrorism and conspiracy.
President Salva Kiir suspended Machar earlier this month, a move that threatens to unravel the fragile 2018 peace deal between the two leaders.
Defence lawyers argue that prosecuting Machar undermines the agreement that ended years of civil war and still serves as the foundation of South Sudan’s transitional government.
