President Salva Kiir has officially initiated the process for national dialogue to achieve unity and reconciliation in the country.

President Kiir unveiled his plans for the national dialogue and support for the peace agreement Wednesday at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in Juba.

Mr Kiir outlined a ten-point plan aimed at ending violent conflicts in South Sudan, reconstituting national consensus and save the country from disintegration, as a way of ushering in peace, stability, and prosperity.

In his address, President Kiir says despite the signing of the peace agreement, there remains a number of fundamental issues that requires the participation of all South Sudanese.

He said the SPLM reunification initiative and the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan have narrowly addressed the issues of power and military aspects of the conflict.

Kiir said the national dialogue will preserve, protect and restore the integrity of South Sudan.

“The current situation in our country calls for a national dialogue; it calls for unity and an end to the cycle of violence and atrocities,” he told the parliament.

“The process of national dialogue must be seen as credible, genuine and open to all the people of South Sudan.”

President Kiir says the objectives of the national dialogue are to end all forms of violence, redefine and re-establish national unity, and strengthen social contract between the citizen and their government.

He added that the dialogue will address diversity, settle historical disputes and set stage for integrated and inclusive national development strategy and economic recovery.

President Kiir asked for forgiveness from the country and called on every citizen to support the national dialogue.

‘No stone unturned’

“In the spirit on national unity, forgiveness, and dialogue, I’m asking you the people of South Sudan to forgive me for any mistakes I might have committed,” he stressed.

“I pledge to all of you fellow citizens that the New Year dawns on us I will leave no stone unturned in the search for peace, reconciliation, and unity in our great country.

“I call upon those who are still carrying arms to stop destroying their own homes and their own country and join the process on national dialogue.”

Kiir said he would assume the role of the patron for the dialogue and work with independent think-tanks, and the international community to further the goals of the initiative.