South Sudan's former political detainees say peace pact will hold

JUBA, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's former political detainees said Thursday the recently signed revitalized peace pact will hold.

Deng Alor Kuol, ex-foreign affairs and international cooperation minister, told Xinhua by phone in Juba that his group known as the former political detainees has accepted and ratified the agreement.

"I have come to Juba as a result of the invitation extended to us by the chair of the National Pre Transitional Committee. We are committed to the agreement. We feel and think that this agreement will be implemented by all the parties," Alor said.

The former foreign affairs minister said his decision to return to Juba on Tuesday demonstrated the commitment by his group to implement the agreement in letter and spirit despite challenges.

"Because of the determination of the parties and the people of South Sudan we will be able to overcome the difficulties ahead of us," he said.

Alor signed the Sept. 12 peace deal on behalf of the former detainees in Khartoum mediated by Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional bloc.

Last month, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir invited all opposition leaders, including rebel leader Riek Machar who rebelled against his regime to come to Juba to witness his commitment to the recently signed peace agreement.

South Sudan's conflict that has now entered its fifth year. The conflict erupted in 2013 after forces loyal to Kiir and his former deputy engaged in combat.

The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when rival factions resumed fighting in the capital, Juba, forcing Machar to flee into exile.

Millions of South Sudanese civilians have sought refuge in neighboring countries as the conflict rages on despite attempts by international players to end it.