South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and opposition leader Dr. Lam Akol met on Friday to discuss efforts to establish peace and stability in the country.
The two prominent politicians deliberate on preparation for next year’s general elections as stated in the revitalized agreement.
The anticipated first-ever election is expected to be conducted in December 2024 and President Kiir declared his candidacy which was endorsed by his party members.
Minister of Presidential Affairs, Honorable Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro says the focus of their meeting includes the status of the peace agreement and agreed to work together to drive the peace process forward.
“The two leaders agreed to work together to drive the peace process forward, to pull the country to the path of peace, unity, and stability,” he stated.
In his part, Dr. Lam Akol emphasized the importance of preparing for the upcoming elections to ensure a successful democratic transition and consolidate effective political processes in the country.
Lam said, “We focused on preparing the country for elections to bring the current democratic transitions to a successful conclusion and consolidate effective political processes in the country.”
Dr. Lam Akol is the Chairman of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), previously known as the South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC), and is a signatory to the 2018 peace agreement under the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin left the country for Sudan in 2020 and returned in July of this year.