President Kiir Institutes National Dialogue Committee: FULL TEXT

[Elisabeth Janaina]

President Kiir Institutes National Dialogue Committee: FULL TEXT
Daniel Danis | December 20, 2016 | 11:49 am
South Sudanese wave the flag of their new country during the
Declaration of Independence Day at Dr. Garang Mausoleum in Juba on
July 09, 2011 PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT/Getty Images)
South Sudanese wave the flag of their new country during the
Declaration of Independence Day at Dr. Garang Mausoleum in Juba on
July 09, 2011 PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT/Getty Images)

President Salva Kiir has issued a decree to begin the process of the
National Dialogue which he announced last week at the Transitional
National Legislative Assembly.

The Republican decree issued on December, 19th for the Formation of
the National Dialogue Steering Committee has incorporated the
participation of various South Sudanese such as retired politicians,
religious leaders, technocrats and those still active in politics.

Renowned veteran South Sudanese leaders such as Abel Alier and Joseph
Lagu have been given the advisory role to the President. Retired
Bishop Paride Taban will act as the co-chair of the initiative.

In the decree, President Salva Kiir will perform the duties of the
Patron of the National Dialogue; a responsibility some members of the
Former Detainees have disagreed with, saying President Kiir should
only participate as a stakeholder to the initiative.

The decree appointed 42 South Sudanese expertise, with no
representation from the region. The appointments are exclusive to
South Sudanese stakeholders.

President Kiir also outlined 4 main duties that the steering committee
will perform.

The terms of Reference for the National Dialogue Steering Committee
will include;

To develop the agenda of the National Dialogue that is provided
for within the framework of the Agreement on the Resolution of the
Conflict in South Sudan [ARCISS], and not contravening the terms of
the agreement

To steer up the process of National Dialogue

To work closely with experts and resource persons to help in the
facilitation of the process

To issue out schedule/timetable for the National Dialogu

“The Steering Committee may co-opt any member(s) where it deems
necessary,” reads part of the decree.

Here is the full list:

Advisors to the Patron

H.E Abel Alier-wal Kwai
H.E Joseph Lagu
Hon. Bona Malual Madut
Dr. Francis Mading Deng

Members of the National Dialogue Steering Committee

Emeritus Bishop Paride Taban – Co-chairperson
Professor Moses Machar Kachuol – Co-chairperson
Simon Kun Puoch – Secretary
Angelo Beda – Member
Gen. George Kongor Arop
Maj. Gen. Peter Cirillo Swaka
Sultan Ismail Konyi
Manasseh Magok Rundial
Maj. Gen. (PSC) Andrew Makur Thou
James Loro Sirisio
Maj. Gen. (PSC) Albino Akol Akol
Lubari Ramba Lokola
Martha Moi
Gabriel Yoal Dak
Mathew Mathiang Deng
Rachael Nyadak Paul
Monica Ayen Maguat
Emeritus Bishop Nathaniel Garang Anyieth
Sheikh Juma Mussa
Dr. Harun Ruun Lual
Mary Furu
Joseph Oryem Ismael
Lucia Atilio
Joseph Ukel Abango
Mathew Pagan
Luciano Thomas

President Salva Kiir also appointed a Secretariat of the National
Steering Committee, with Sudd Institute acting as the focal point for
the technical body. The institute will be represented by 3 members.

Others members of the secretariat are as follows:

Center for Peace and Development Studies at the University of Juba
– 2 members representation
The Ebony Center – 2 members representation
South Sudan Council of Churches – One representative
South Sudan Islamic Council – One representative
South Sudan National Youth Union – 4 representatives
Office of the President will be represented by 2 officials.

President Kiir also appointed 5 experts who will advise the National
Dialogue Steering Committee

A legal Expert, Prof. Dr. Bol Chol
A Historian, Dr. Riak Gok Majok
A Conflict Negotiation and Dialogue Expert, Dr. Samson Wassara, and
Economists, Dr. Kuot Mawien Kuot and Dr. Adil Athnaziou Surur

The Republican decree says the order shall come into force on the date
of its signature by the President, which is December, 19th.

With Christmas approaching, it is not clear when exactly the steering
committee will commence its work.

Several institutions and countries have welcomed President Salva
Kiir’s call for a National Dialogue to as a measure to consolidate
peace in the country and to bring South Sudanese together.

In his address to the nation last week, President Kiir said his
government will guarantee safety and freedom of all the actors who are
going to participate in the National Dialogue, including those who are
currently out of the country, some of whom are opposed to his
government.