President Salva Kiir Mayardit has apologized for the delay in the implementation of the peace agreement.

The August 2015 peace deal calls for an unconditional apology to the people of South Sudan for all the suffering and distress caused by the devastating conflict.

The President delivered the apology yesterday after Dr Riek took oath of office.

“I repeat; our apologies to the people of South Sudan for the situation we the leaders have created. You have been patient throughout the duration of this crisis,” the President said.

“Though the road ahead will still continue to have challenges, we are committed and determined to move our country forward. Thank you for the long patience and I ask you to continue to endure with us,” he said.

“I also ask you to join me and my brother Riek Machar in the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. I call upon our politicians and all the citizens of South Sudan to put their differences and personal interests aside for the welfare of our independence. Our people are tired of war and they need peace now.”

Mr Kiir called for an end to political division and called for unity of the people.

“Together we can accomplish far more than when we are divided. Our strength lies only in our unity. From this day I urge all of you to embrace the fact that we are all South Sudanese, united in love of our country and our desire to build a better future for ourselves and many generations to come. May Almighty God bless all of you and bless South Sudan,” he said.

He welcomed the return of the First Vice President as “the only way to return South Sudan to the path of peace, stability and prosperity.”

“In the Transitional Government of National Unity, we do expect opposition neither in the executive nor in the parliament. All of us who as the stakeholders have the collective responsibility to make sure that we cooperate and work together as one team so that we deliver results,” he said.

“I, therefore, call upon all of you – and especially the first vice president and the vice president – to cooperate with me so that we return our country to the peaceful coexistence.”

President Kiir also thanked the international community – the UN Security Council, the UN Human Rights and humanitarian agencies, UNMISS, the Troika, AU, IGAD, EU, Russia, China, Japan and other regional and international partners – for their positive efforts and commitment.

“We appreciate their genuine concerns about the situation in South Sudan and the assistance provided to our people. Now, we are determined to see to it that we comply with our obligations as provided for in the agreement and our constitution. This will enable us to meet the expectations of our people and the international community,” he said.