GOSS

The government and the SPLM/SPLA –in Opposition say it is not a priority to discuss the formation of an interim government in South Sudan until the two sides have addressed the root causes of the conflict.

Both sides said the priority is to stop the fighting.

Analysts and bloggers have begun discussing the possibility of both sides forming an interim government as a way to reconcile the nation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Press Secretary in the office of the President have both said President Salva Kiir will not step down without an election.

Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin and Ateny Wek said whoever is seeking power should contest the general elections next year.

For their part, the spokesperson of the SPLM/SPLA –in Opposition, Hussein Maar Nyuot, told Eye Radio in Addis Ababa that their party has not prioritized discussion on the establishment of a transitional government in South Sudan.

Hussein Maar said their main interest is to bring about positive reforms in all sectors of the country.

“This is not the issue now, because we have not even discussed the agenda,” he stated. “So, we don’t want to rush into discussing the interim period and the interim government when we have not actually discussed the root causes of the conflict, the possible solutions to these and how we see our country moving.”

Hussein Maar said the talks in Addis Ababa will bring about democratic transformation and stability in the country.

The government delegation spokesperson, Michael Makuei Lueth, said there are currently no talks about the formation of a transitional government in South Sudan.

“There is nothing as such, these are just rumormongers who are trying to spread lies across the country, and across the international community, so that people who have other tendencies will believe that there is such a thing.”

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the SPLM 7, John Luk, also told Eye Radio that the negotiators in Addis Ababa will need to agree on how to urgently stop the violence.

He said a government that includes all sectors of society will be appropriate to return the country to normalcy.

“I think the concern first must be for the welfare of our people, our focus must be how to put the country back to normalcy,” said Mr Luk.

Throughout last week, IGAD mediators conducted closed-door meetings with heads of delegation from both sides on the agenda for discussions.

Officials from the government delegation, the SPLM/SPLA –in Opposition and the SPLM 7 have been silent on the sort of issues they have proposed to be included in the agenda for the second round of talks.

Official from both sides have told Eye Radio off the record that there will be a two-week break before talks can begin.

IGAD mediators have not confirmed the report.

It is still not clear when direct talks between the two parties will officially begin.