This article was last updated on May 27, 2022
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By Jok P Mayom
JUBA, 27 August 2015 [Gurtong] – President Kiir signed the peace deal with Dr Riek Machar and other rebels at the Freedom Hall in Juba on 26 August, 2015 in the presence of leaders of Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, who all helped mediate the negotiations.
President Kiir however told those present that he had reservations on the peace deal, saying the conduct of the mediation and pointed out that some clauses were still contentious.
The President signed the deal after refusing to sign the deal last week when rebel leader Dr Machar and former detainees signed it in Addis Ababa.
“On the 17th of this month my negotiating team was given 15 days to return home till further consultations with our diverse constituencies and return to Addis Ababa for further negotiations. Indeed upon our return to Juba, the political and government leadership of our country begun with such consultation”, said Kiir.
He said that during the consultations the South Sudanese government identified and made observations on the document.
“In our view such reservations if ignored will not be in the interest of just and lasting peace in a short term something that the IGAD mediation should be aware of and take note of. South Sudan is a sovereign state therefore we must have a choice”, he said.
He affirmed the government’s desire for peace in South Sudan and called upon all leaders to join forces in ensuring lasting peace in the country.
“As all of you know, my people are yearning for the peace and my government has always negotiated in good faith and for the genuine and lasting peace that the people need”, Kiir said.
Fighting between forces loyal to the two men over the last 20 months has forced more than 2.2 million people from their homes in the world's youngest state, which broke away from Sudan in 2011.
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