Civil Society: Peace is still in their hands

A civil society activist says the spiritual retreat in The Vatican should reinforce peace efforts and not be seen as a final solution to the country’s problems.

Rajab Mohandis, the Executive Director of the Organisation for Responsive Governance welcomes the Church initiative and says the parties still have a responsibility to commit and implement the peace agreement.

Mohandis says the spiritual gathering should prevail upon the leaders to make honest commitments to peace.

The two-day retreat which starts today is being spearheaded by the Pope as the Head of the Roman Catholic Church with the participation of the Archbishop of Canterbury as Head of the Anglican church, and the head of the Scottish Presbyterian church.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit left Juba yesterday, while SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar left Khartoum on Wednesday morning. 

The other designated Vice Presidents: Gen. Taban Deng Gai,  James Wani Igga and Rebecca Nyandeng are also expected to attend.  Eight members of the South Sudan Council of Churches will represent religious leaders.

Rajab Mohandi spoke to Sani Martin in this interview.