South Sudanese politician Pagan Amum Ukech says that the parties to the country’s conflict should prioritize a peace agreement to end the war, after which foreign troops can withdraw.

The remarks by the former Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and current leader of the SPLM ‘Former Detainees’ faction come after the Ugandan president said his troops will not withdraw until after South Sudan stabilizes and the capital is secured.

President Museveni’s position was criticized vocally by the SPLM-IO rebel group, which said that he should withdraw his troops from the country immediately.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday,  Pagan pointed out that the warring parties have failed to adhere to their obligation of forming a transitional government of national unity with the participation of all parties.

He noted that Juba has returned to talking about a ‘non-executive’ prime minister while the rebels for their part are talking about the existence of two armies during the transitional period.

“Talking about the president or prime minister without powers is a retreat from the agreements,” said Amum.

On the withdrawal of Ugandan troops from South Sudan, Amum stressed that this will depend on the status of peace.

Related:

SPLM-IO respond to Museveni’s position on troop withdrawal (29 Dec.)