SPLM-IO Riek Group Position on the Opposition Alliance
Press Release: The Status Of The Unity Of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) And The Opposition Alliance
March 7, 2018 (SSB) —- The SPLM/SPLA (IO) would like to dispel rumours circulating in the media alleging that: “Machar’s group quits opposition coalition over leadership row”, as reported by Radio Tamazuj in an article published online, on March 4, 2018. The reality is that there are outstanding issues regarding structures in general and not specifically leadership, and the process of unity is still underway. The SPLM/SPLA (IO) would like to assure members of the movement, and the South Sudanese civil population at large, that the SPLM/SPLA (IO) is fully committed to the idea of an united opposition and this is reflected in the very history of the movement. The movement shall continue to wage this struggle within the opposition in order to cement this unity, which is necessary for us to achieve fundamental change in our country.
The SPLM/SPLA (IO) has a draft proposal, which we shall continue to discuss with those opposition groups ready to continue with the process of unity. The various opposition groups have had a great opportunity at the HLRF to overcome distance and other inconveniences and we look forward to continue the crucial dialogue, which is necessary for any agreement. The only way we can bring about fundamental change in our country is through dialogue and we are hopeful that despite the new alliance, dialogue shall continue, there should be no contradiction between the formation of the new alliance and the ability of this new alliance to coordinate with other groups in the opposition.
The leadership of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) calls on members and sympathizers of the movement to refrain from unnecessary confrontations which may alienate genuine comrades in the opposition; this will only benefit the regime. The movement calls on members to engage in constructive dialogue with our comrades, as the dialogical approach will ultimately bring about our unity, which is in turn central for fundamental change in our country.
The SPLM/SPLA (IO) reiterates our full commitment to a negotiated settlement as the least costly way to end the war in the country; however, in light of the well documented belligerence of the regime as they continue to violate the Cessation of Hostilities agreement (CoH), their refusal to sign the Declaration of Principles (DoP) and general intransigence, the movement reserves the natural right of self-defence.
CDE MABIOR GARANG MABIOR (CHAIRMAN)
SPLM NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS.
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