Kiir appeals for Africa, UN support for South Sudan national dialogue

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has appealed to the African Union and the UN to support the country’s National Dialogue initiative
• Kiir described the dialogue as critical in achieving the economic independence and in delivering social services to the entire nation
• South Sudan seceded from the Sudan in 2011 but entered into civil war in 2013 after a debate on political reforms among top ruling SPLM party members turned violent

By JOSEPH ODUHA
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South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has appealed to the African Union and the UN to support the country’s National Dialogue initiative.

President Kiir admitted that the young nation was badly divided and risked disintegration.

“Our country is politically divided and we must find ways and means to unite and build one nation. The implementation of the peace deal and the national dialogue are the only way forward,” he said.

President Kiir made the remarks during the state of nation address even as South Sudan failed to mark its sixth independence anniversary last Sunday due to lack of funds.

Kiir said the support from the regional leaders and the international community could play a key role in the success of the dialogue and in bringing lasting peace to the world's youngest state.

READ: Splintering of Juba war makes peace more elusive

Kiir also appealed to all the opposition groups to support the dialogue, saying the initiative was the only viable formula for resolving layers of conflicts in the country.

Catholic Bishop Santo Laku Pio dismissed President Kiir's national dialogue, saying it had no concrete objectives to stop the war.

READ: Clergyman accuses Juba of focusing on destruction

South Sudan seceded from the Sudan in 2011 but entered into civil war in 2013 after a debate on political reforms among top ruling SPLM party members turned violent.