Opposition groups initial revitalized peace deal, parties to begin discussions on implementation matrix

Parties meeting in Khartoum begin discussions today on an implementation matrix of the revitalized peace agreement, after the SPLM-IO, of opposition leader Riek Machar and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance initialed the agreement in Khartoum.

The opposition groups put pen to paper last evening, after receiving assurances from Sudanese mediators that outstanding issues over state power sharing and the constitution would be referred to meetings of the regional grouping IGAD for further deliberation.

IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, Ismail Wais announced to the delegates that an IGAD taskforce comprising Sudan, Uganda and the IGAD Secretariat, will meet this morning to kick start discussions on the implementation matrix ahead of a workshop with CTSAMM monitors on security arrangements before a final signing ceremony. He explains the process.