SPLM-North leader, Yassir Arman speaks to Eye Radio in Addis Ababa - March 3, 2014

The SPLM-North says peace talks between government and the armed opposition mediated by IGAD Envoys in Addis Ababa, while they may help in stopping the conflict, may not resolve the differences within the SPLM party.

In an exclusive interview with Eye Radio in Addis Ababa, the Secretary General of the SPLM-North, Yassir Arman said the conflict of interest and division within the SPLM can only be resolved within the SPLM.

Mr. Arman said the SPLM leaders have a history of resolving their own crisis without the involvement of a third party.

“I don’t believe in this conventional talks; conventional talks is good maybe to stop the war but I believe those comrade can still meet anywhere alone, they can discuss and lock themselves in one room and discuss and see what happened – what are the mistakes are and how they can resolve them,” said Mr Arman.

The problem now is not the mistake that has happened, the issue is about the future of South Sudan, and it’s true everybody is concerned of those who have died but we should be more concern of those who are now living and they may die tomorrow. We need to prevent this one.”

Yassir Arman said the SPLM is able to reconcile its cadre if both parties to the conflict are willing.

On other matters, Yassir Arman denied the involvement of SPLM-North forces in the fighting in South Sudan.

Earlier this year, the SPLM/SPLA –in Opposition led by Dr. Riek Machar claimed that the Ugandan forces, the SPLM-North and the Justice and Equality Movement had been fighting alongside the government forces in Unity state.

However, Yassir Arman said they are not involved in any fight.

“Our task is to bring the people of North and South together and not to increase any bitterness among them, and that is what we will do. And I am saying this truly, and may be those who are in the field know that, and may be some people somewhere create those stories.”

Last month, the SPLA spokesperson also denied the involvement of other forces in the South Sudan conflict, with the exception of Ugandan forces which the government said came into the country as a result of bilateral agreements with Uganda.