South Sudan Peace Process: Preparations underway to celebrate implementation of latest peace deal

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02:20

Residents in South Sudan's capital Juba are gearing up to celebrate the peace deal President Salva Kiir signed last month with opposition groups. Dignitaries from across Africa have been invited to attend. CGTN's Patrick Oyet reports from Juba.

South Sudan's government says everything is ready for the celebrations. Several African heads of state, including those from the East African regional group IGAD, will be in attendance.

ATENY WEK ATENY SOUTH SUDAN GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON "So far the Ugandan president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and his excellency field marshal Omar al-Bashir and Egyptian prime minister will be attending and a number of other delegations that would be representing the countries that were invited."

Leaders of all opposition groups including former vice president Riek Machar are also expected to attend. For Juba residents, it's a sign that the country has finally turned a corner.

"Peace since 2013 is what South Sudanese are crying for and now as we celebrate, we are hoping that the that the implementation of this peace will also be as successful as the celebration is concerned."

"It's my pleasure that the day has reach and we are hoping for the best and we enjoy together as citizens of this nation together with whoever is going to join us as neighbours and friends of South Sudan, all are welcome and we all continue in peace as it has already been inked in the document."

"Today we have peace and we are very happy for that and we hope we will be in peace forever, South Sudan will be in peace."

PATRICK OYET JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN "Previous peace deals inked by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar have failed. But this time, many hope the two politicians will work together to ensure lasting peace. PO, CGTN, J, SS."