Any talks on peace and reconciliation on South Sudan must be ‘people-centered’, the Deputy Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

Peter Beshir Gbandi, who is also a member of the government negotiation team in the Addis Ababa peace talks with the SPLM-in Opposition, says no side should impose solutions on the people of South Sudan.

Hon Gbandi told leaders of political parties yesterday in Juba that all talks on reconciliation and governance should consider the popular views of all South Sudanese.

“It’s only meaningful that southerners themselves can decide how they want to rule themselves, and they can reconcile among themselves,” he said.

“If you are talking of reconciliation and now suggesting that it should be in Addis, I wonder how this reconciliation is going to happen there, because the issue of reconciliation is for you to admit and be able to say sorry to the person whom you have acted against.”

As one of the possible solutions to the crisis, the IGAD, which is mediating the peace talks in Addis Ababa, has proposed establishment of an interim government comprised of both the warring parties.

However, Hon Gbandi also said the proposed transitional government of national unity should be discussed inside the country.

“We admit as the government that there were problems in the country, and if these problems are to be addressed, all the stakeholders should be involved,” he said. “And this is why there was that insistence of an all-inclusive national conference that will be conducted in South Sudan.”

Talks between the government and the SPLM-in Opposition were postponed on Saturday to the 4th of June.

IGAD mediators sent the delegations on a two weeks break to enable them prepare for the next round of talks which will be inclusive.

During the recess, the IGAD Special Envoys will undertake shuttle mission to South Sudan to consult with different stakeholders.

Earlier this month, the two sides recommitted their forces to the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement.

They agreed to open up humanitarian corridors in River Nile, Sobat, roads, rail and air corridors.

They also agreed to facilitate humanitarian assistance and observe one month of a temporary ceasefire.