The SPLM in Opposition has praised the government for offering to pay hotel bills of its advance team.

This comes after the Troika countries and the European Union announced an end to support for the team’s needs in Juba.

There are about 209 members of the SPLM-IO staying in five different hotels in Juba.

They came to Juba last month for the implementation of the peace agreement, especially formation of the transitional government of national unity.

“It’s true that our partners in peace have finally taken the responsibility as a people of South Sudan even though there is something we call ‘rope pulling’ here in South Sudan,” said Mabior Garang Mabior, the head of communications at the SPLM-IO.

“But we applaud our partners in peace who are for peace and are working very hard to make sure that the peace [agreement] is implemented.”

Mr Garang went on to refute claims that some of his team members have sneaked out of Juba over insecurity fears.

“None of us has escaped like some of the rumors [suggest] that some of our people went by bus,” Mr Garang rejected the allegations.

“All of our people are accounted for; they are here and we are committed to the peace [deal].”

38 members of the team, who traveled to Pagak early this week for consultation with Dr Riek Machar over the 28 states, are expected in Juba today.