The opposition People’s Liberal Party has criticized the extension of the transitional period, saying it is a violation of the peace agreement.

The transitional period should have started 90 days after the signing of the peace agreement in August, but the implementation is far behind schedule.

On Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Michael Makuei, said the Council of Ministers had decided that the transitional period just started on the 29 April, the day on which the new cabinet took the oath of office.

It will continue for two and half years.

However, the chairman of the PLP, Peter Mayen, told Eye Radio that the extension is a “delay tactic” by the parties to the agreement.

He said extending the transitional period also means prolonging the suffering of the people of South Sudan.

“It indicates that they want to stay long in power at people’s expense,” Mr Mayen said. “This is unacceptable.”

He added that the parties to the peace agreement should have sped up the implementation process to instead of making an extension.