African Union envoy Jakaya Kikwete holds talks with SPLM-IO officials in Juba as part of consultations on the peace process and upcoming elections. – Courtesy photo

The SPLM-IO under suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar says it raised concerns about elections and security arrangements during a meeting with African Union envoy Jakaya Kikwete on Friday.

The meeting took place in Juba following Kikwete’s arrival in South Sudan this week for consultations with political parties and other stakeholders to the 2018 peace agreement as part of the AU C5 mission.

Kikwete, a former President of Tanzania and the African Union envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, is holding consultations on the implementation of the peace agreement and preparations for the country’s transition.

Speaking to Eye Radio, the SPLM-IO Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Joseph Malual, said Kikwete briefed the party on his discussions with government officials, political parties, and election institutions.

Malual said the envoy raised concerns about preparations for the elections, including party registration requirements and deadlines.

“It appears that he has definitely, I would say he is probably influenced by the government and the officials there about this issue of elections. And the issue of elections has got certain requirements.

“One of the requirements was that any party that is to register must not have an army. And in that case, he was very much concerned about having an army. And at the same time, he said, okay, the time for registration is running out,” he said.

Malual said the SPLM-IO raised concerns over the requirement that political parties should not have armed forces, arguing that the issue should be addressed through security reforms.

According to him, the peace agreement provides for the unification of armed groups into a single national army.

He added that the SPLM-IO believes all armed groups in the country should be integrated into one national army before elections are held.

On the peace process, Malual said the SPLM-IO supports inclusive dialogue involving all parties without exclusion.

He said disagreements should be resolved through negotiations rather than outside the peace process.

Malual also called on South Sudanese to continue supporting peace efforts, saying the country has endured years of conflict and needs lasting stability.