South Sudanese Political parties held a round discussion to brainstorm on the issues challenging the country’s political development and governance.
South Sudan Democratic Forum-Mainstream secretary general Mario Awet said the constitutional provision of English as the main official language has created discrimination among Arabic speakers.He argued that the country should phase out Arabic slowly to accommodate the graduates from Sudan.
James Mabior, the chairperson of the National Democratic Front, is concerned that political parties were left out by the ruling SPLM party at a critical time when the country is going through some political turmoil due to the oil shutdown and the conflict with the Sudan.
Mr Awet added that the political parties were not briefed about the options the Government took.
He said the Political Party Leaders Forum is not functioning as it should.
The political parties agreed to have frequent joint meetings to indentify common lines and strengthen their voices.
The meeting, sponsored by the International Republican Institute, was attended by five parties: National Democratic Forum, South Sudan Democratic Forum-Main Stream, Democratic United Party, Africa National Congress ANC and United Democratic Sudan Forum.