Minister Michael Makuei Lueth speaks to Eye Radio. February 25, 2023. (File photo| Awan Moses/Eye Radio).

The government spokesperson has appealed to the armed opposition groups to join the peace efforts and steer the country towards elections.

Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth made the remarks during the occasion to honor President Kiir’s peace efforts by the King of Chollo in Juba.

Makuei urges the holdout groups to lay down their weapons of war and allow the South Sudanese people to choose their leaders.

“My message to those who are still holding out is that let them change their mind and join the people of South Sudan in the peace process so that we can go for elections peacefully,” he said.

Makuei said it is the people of South Sudan that can decide for themselves, not through the muzzle of the gun.

“The only way and the best way is always to go for elections so that you give the people of South Sudan that privilege and that right to decide whether you are the one to be their leader or not.”

Early this month, both the government and the Non-Signatory Groups said they are ready to resume the Rome Peace talks.

Parties to the 2018 peace deal have delayed the country’s first elections since independence by extending the transitional period by two years.

The poll supposedly for this month, has been pushed to December 2024.