Non-inclusive dialogue in South Sudan equivalent to chasing mirage: chief




































A prominent South Sudanese traditional leader on Friday said a national dialogue which is not an all-encompassing process is equivalent to chasing a mirage.

In December 2016, President Kiir, whose wrangling for power with his former deputy Riek    Machar plunged the world's newest nation into a brutal conflict, called for "national dialogue" to end the ongoing civil war.
Kiir said the national dialogue will be bottom-top approach to address local grievances and political issues in the country. But the opposition rejected the call.
 “The dialogue in principle is good. It is a good idea because this country needs to come together and talk …But for this to happen there has to be transparency and inclusivity, “said Deng Macham Angui, leader of South Sudan chiefs’ council.

“But if it is done this way, if it is not inclusive, if there are people who feel left out, it will be like chasing a mirage and all the efforts will be a wasted energy and resources without tangible achievements,” he added.
The traditional leader said chiefs are not politicians to take side in the ongoing conflict in South Sudan. The role of the chief in the society, he said, is to work for peace, unity and development.

“We are for peace, unity and development and that’s why we want politicians to come together so that peace, stability, harmony and peaceful coexistence can return to the country,” he said. 


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