South Sudan :President Kiir Calls For Resumption Of Rome Peace Talks

By Deng Machol [caption id="attachment_91192" align="alignnone" width="1908"] Pope Francis kissing the feet of rival South Sudanese leaders. Photo courtesy[/caption] Juba - South Sudan president Salva Kiir has called on the Community of Sant'Egidio, to prepare for the resumption of peace talks between the government and opposition hold-out groups. President acknowledged that the Rome talks were suspended due to continued violation of the ceasefire by the opposition groups of the South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA). He said he responded to many voices appealed to reconsider his position and give the inclusive peace a chance, including the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who continuous prayers for peace in the restive country. "In deference to these voices, I am today asking the Community of Sant’Egidio to begin the preparation for the resumption of Rome Peace talks with the Holdout Groups without precondition," president Kiir said in his closing remarks at the 5th governor’s forum in Juba. President said he hope that the SSOMA this time will adhere to Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in order give room to negotiations that will move the talks on without further interruptions. Kiir said he is willing to give the talks another chance despite what he refers to as the continued violations by the opposition groups. "The quest for an inclusive peace and stability in our country remains our priority," said Kiir. The East Africa youngest nation that has been blighted by a conflict and floods, is  struggling to implement the fragile 2018 peace deal.