The Chairperson of the IGAD Special Envoys says talks on the political transformation in South Sudan will include the 11 SPLM leaders pardoned by the government last month.

Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin said the talks on transitional process will put into consideration views of all stakeholders in the country.

Ambassador Mesfin said this after meeting with the 11 SPLM leaders in Addis Ababa yesterday.

He said the government and the SPLM-in Opposition must first end the fighting.

“It is obvious that the warring parties are the parties that should and must negotiate to bring the fighting to an end,” he Amb Mesfin.

“But with regard to the political process, all the stakeholders have their role and must play their role to achieve the broadest possible endorsement of the solution being sought for South Sudan.”

Pagan Amum who is now the leader of the 11 former detainees said they would participate as equal partners in the talks on the political process.

“We are going to participate as an equal stakeholder or partner with the SPLM in government, SPLM-In Opposition, and the SPLM Leaders together with representatives of our civil society and Church leaders,” said Mr Amum.

Mr. Amum called upon the government and the SPLA-in Opposition forces to fully implement the recently signed agreement by President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar.

“….respect the lives of our people and allow humanitarian access to the needy people in South Sudan in all affected areas.”

Last week, President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar recommitted their parties to implement the cessation of hostilities agreement and open up humanitarian corridors.

However, both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement.