His Majesty King Kwongo of the Chollo Kingdom speaks during a celebration to welcome General Olony to Juba. June 24, 2023. | Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio

Collo King in Upper Nile State on Saturday appealed to opposition politicians including Dr. Lam Akol, Pagan Amum and Oyai Deng Ajak to return to Juba and actively take part in the peace process.

His Majesty Kwongo Dak Padiet made the public appeal during the Royal Honorary Ceremony to welcome Gen. Johnson Olony and his deputy, Gen. Mabor Dhol, for accepting peace with the government.

King Kwongo said peace has come and South Sudanese should open their hearts and reconcile with one another for the sake of the country.

He stated that peace is crucial for South Sudan to achieve stability and development for its people.

Speaking during the event at Freedom Hall, King Kwongo said it is in the spirit of peace that he is calling on Chollo sons currently in exile to return home.

“I Reth Kwongo Dak Padiet do hereby appeal to our sons particularly Pagan Amum Okiech, Oyayi Deng Ajak and Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin to come in and join the peace process,” he said.

Dr. Lam Akol’s National Democratic Movement (NDM) is one of the party signatories to the unity government and also supports the 2-year roadmap extension.

Akol, a veteran politician and one-time Minister of Foreign Affairs during the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, has been out of South Sudan for nearly a year.

Meanwhile, former SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum Okiech and General Oyayi Deng Ajak have been in exile since 2013.

Both Genera Oyayi and General Pagan are members of the Non-Signatory Opposition Group who are currently negotiating a Roman-led peace accord with the unity government.

Eye Radio will seek comments from Dr. Lam Akol, Pagan Amum and Gen. Oyayi Deng about the matter.