The Permanent Representative of South Sudan to the United Nations, Akuei Bona Malual, said the national dialogue can only be inclusive with participation of opposition groups, but its success does not depend on their participation.

In a statement to the UN Security Council in New York on Thursday, Amb. Akuei said the national dialogue committee had started its work and progressing well. “It is imperative to report here that the Co-Chairs of the Steering Committee had begun their efforts to reach out to the other stakeholders who are in and out of South Sudan, in an effort to bring them on board to the National Dialogue initiative,” he said.

“One of the Co-Chairs of the Steering Committee led a delegation to South Africa to meet with Dr. Riek Machar, who unfortunately declined to give him and his delegation an audience,” he added.

The South Sudanese diplomat pointed out that the dialogue process was intended to be a forum for the people of South Sudan to air out their views and grievances, including Riek Machar's.

Akuei reiterated his government’s appeal to opposition leader Riek Machar and other armed opposition groups to reconsider their positions regarding the national dialogue.

“So it's prudent that they put aside their personal bitterness and embrace initiatives that seek to bring about lasting, peaceful solution to the people of South Sudan,” he said.