Authorities in Upper Nile state on Monday pledged readiness to welcome members of the advance team of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement faction of former vice president Riek Machar.

Upper Nile information minister Daniel Yor Akec said in an interview on Monday that the state government has prepared to receive the advance team of the SPLM-IO who would be traveling to the area in an effort to find a path out of the civil conflict that has engulfed the nation for two years.

“Upper Nile state is ready to receive the advance team of the SPLM-IO to respond to aspirations of our people who are trying to find a solution to the crisis,” said minister Yor when asked to comment on a new presidential directive asking state governors and chief administrative officers to receive the advance teams of the armed opposition who are returning to implement the peace deal.

“The government has always been ready for dialogue with those who believe in its unity, sovereignty and freedom of choice,” the official added.

Yor said they planned to hold a public rally with members of the opposition in early January, followed by representatives from SPLM 'Former Detainees' and members of the civil society regime before hopefully bringing the two parties together.

Yor said the state administration backs the efforts of President Salva Kiir to implement peace.

File photo: Malakal port before the war