Archbishop Taban blames mediators for failed peace deals, vows neutrality in inter-party dialogue

South Sudan’s chief mediator for the ongoing Inter-Party-Political Dialogue in Juba, Archbishop Elias Taban Parangi, has pledged to help political parties reach a peaceful political settlement ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.

Speaking during the third session of the dialogue on Monday, Archbishop Parangi criticized external mediators for what he described as dictating agreements to South Sudan, saying such approaches had contributed to the failure of previous peace arrangements.

“The fighting in South Sudan has been caused by mediators,” Parangi said.

“Our agreements that were impossible to implement were caused by mediators because things were dictated on us on how we should be.”

He said the current mediation process would seek to ensure that all political parties have an opportunity to participate in the country’s political process.

“We want to say today, by the grace of God, we will achieve a peaceful end,” he said. “We will make sure that we have guided our political parties to reach a peaceful solution, peaceful elections – create enough space for everybody and parties.”

Parangi also called for impartiality in the mediation process, saying mediators should not favour any side.

“There is no favouritism in mediation. When you are a mediator, you are a friend to all and you are supporter of none,” he said.

The two-week Inter-Party-Political Dialogue has brought together political parties to discuss the upcoming elections, the political environment, the economy, security and other national issues.

The dialogue is aimed at providing a platform for political parties to address outstanding issues and work toward a peaceful and inclusive political process.