The national dialogue in South Sudan has been delayed due to lack of finances, reports Xinhua.
According to a South Sudan Presidential Spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny, the initiative which was meant to start in March has been postponed since the government is having a hard time securing funds.
“The national dialogue is delayed because the ministry of finance is still working to avail the money. It is difficult to get the money but we are assured that the dialogue will begin in April,” said the spokesman
The government official said the dialogue that was sent in December for this year, is meant to create a platform for discussion of political, social and economic issues affecting the East African nation and in addition give South Sudanese an opportunity for reconciliation and healing among disgruntled communities.
A cabinet minister in the unity government, who preferred anonymity told Sudan Tribune that he was uncertain if the dialogue would start because the international partners who indicated their willingness to provide support were now reluctant to come forward.
“The main reason is that there are no funds. The funds allocated in the budget for peace implementation have not been provided. The ministry of finance is unable to avail funds because there is no money. You know very well that civil servants and those in the army have spent more than two months without payment. This is now the priority,” the official added.
South Sudan’s armed opposition group (SPLA-IO) led by former Vice President Riek Machar has said that the government of President Kiir is using the dialogue to consolidate power.
South Sudan government and opposition signed a peace deal in August 2015 which led to the formation of a transitional unity government in April, but fresh violence in July, 2016 returned the country to violence.
The East African nation is currently struggling with hyperinflation, shortage of foreign reserves to support imports and the civil servants have gone for two months without salaries.
At least more than 2 million South Sudanese have been displaced since 2013 and tens of thousands killed.
