IGAD says chief mediator Seyoum Mesfin is in Juba to discuss with political groups how they can join the implementation of the peace agreement.

The communication department says the mediator will meet with the leader of the National Alliance, Dr Lam Akol and the chairman of the Democratic Forum, Dr Martin Elia Lomorro.

Dr Martin is also the minister for Cabinet Affairs and represents political parties allied to the government.

The two groups were participating in the peace talks as one body until they split in September.

Dr Lam was later denied an exit visa at the Juba airport while travelling to Addis Ababa to take part in the talks. IGAD envoys later sent to Juba the group that was approved by the airport authorities to go to Addis Ababa.

The talks continued without the participation of the other political groups until the warring parties signed the agreement in August.

Other groups that signed as stakeholders include the civil society and women.

Dr Lam Akol says his group would play a role similar to what other stakeholders will be doing in the implementation of the agreement.

He confirmed to Eye Radio that Mesfin will meet with his group.

“He is coming to meet us, we meet him. So they are all relevant in the implementation. It is like the role of others. They are supposed to be part of the implementation process,” said Mr. Lam.

Dr Lam is also the leader of the SPLM-DC, which is the official opposition in parliament.

Earlier, the leader of minority in parliament Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec, said his party should be part of the deal to enable the transitional government work in unison without any more opposition.