July 16, 2022 (JUBA) – A South Sudan National Democratic Movement (NDM) official has welcomed the proposed roadmap seeking to guide the young nation towards the end of the transitional period and pave way for conduct of peaceful and democratic elections in the country.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir, the government website reported, met a four-member committee that presented him the roadmap on Friday.

The committee, appointed by the president, consists of Cabinet Affairs minister, Martin Elia Lomuro, Information minister, Michael Makuei, Foreign Affairs minister, Mayiik Ayi Deng and security advisor, Tut Gatlauk Manime.

But NDM, a statement, questioned why all members of the committee belonged to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), one of the five political parties signatory to the September 2018 peace agreement.

“We commend the SPLM-IG for following the NDM’s initiative of proposing a roadmap for tackling the approaching end of the transitional period. However, we are astounded by the proposition that their suggested roadmap will be presented to the presidency for consideration,” NDM noted in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

The party acting spokesperson, Mahmoud Akot signed the statement.

According to the opposition movement, matters related to the revitalized peace agreement concern parties to, not other institutions of the coalition government such as the presidency or council of ministers.

“It is only after the parties have reached consensus as required by the revitalized agreement would such consensus position be presented to R-TGoNU for adoption,” stressed the opposition group.

The NDM, however, advised the country’s ruling party to present its proposed roadmap to the parties either directly or through the peace monitoring body (RJMEC) so as to be discussed together with other proposals from the other parties in order to agree on a common position.

“Then and only then can such an agreed common position be considered as owned by the parties. It is common knowledge that the Presidency doesn’t have a member from the OPP [Other Political Parties],” further noted the group’s statement.

It asked, “Who will represent them even if it were to be agreed, for argument’s sake, that the Presidency can represent the Parties?”

Meanwhile the opposition movement, led by veteran politician Lam Akol, said the ruling party to follow the right procedure to build consensus.

“We also invite the other Parties to the agreement to develop their own roadmaps to make the discussion easier,” stressed the statement, urging leaders to put their welfare above partisan or individual interests.