Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan Nabil Mahdi. (Photo: Philip Buda Ladu)

The Ethiopian government called the South Sudan government to initiate dialogue and reach consensus on the anticipated presidential and parliamentary elections amid diverging positions among the 2018 peace parties.

The call was made after the SPLM IO said it may likely not be part of the December 2024 general elections if the country fails to adopt a permanent constitution before then.

SPLM IO Deputy Chairperson Oyet Nathaniel said heading to polls without the completion of constitutional making, amounts to violation of the peace agreement and risks plunging the country into crisis.

The peace monitoring body, RJMEC also told the African Union Peace and Security Council that there is no consensus among the peace parties on election and key pending tasks in the peace agreement.

The South Sudan Opposition Alliance and Other Political Parties have joined the SPLM in support of holding the supposed democratic exercise as scheduled by the roadmap extending the transitional government’s mandate in 2022.

Speaking during the commemoration of the Ethiopian Victory Day known as Adwa, the Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan, Nabil Mahdi, said his country support peaceful transition.

Ambassador Mahdi added that Ethiopia continues to maintain its neutral position while engaging the stakeholders on the need for sustainable peace and development in South Sudan.

“During conflict in South Sudan, Ethiopia has maintained a natural and supportive stance aiming to contribute positive lead to regional peace and the stability while upholding its longstanding support for the South Sudanese peace process,” the envoy said.

“As we talk about the election to the transition in South Sudan, Ethiopia encourages the parties to the peace agreement to come together for dialogue to find amicable ways to manage the transition of the nation towards stability.”

“As one of the signatories of the peace agreement, Ethiopia continues its engagement with all stakeholders and partners for sustainable peace and stability of South Suda.”

Ambassador Nabil further said Ethiopia and South Sudan continue to enjoy strong bilateral relations, while calling for collaborative efforts to address challenges facing the two countries.

“It is imperative for us to collaborate and address shared challenges by leveraging our historical foundation for a brighter future.”

“This as I said is a robust economic integration and then infrastructure connections to fasten trade in the mobility between our nations.”