The IGAD virtual summit addressed the escalating crisis in South Sudan, emphasizing commitment to peace and dialogue. Outgoing AUC Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned recent violence, calling for accountability and restraint from all parties. With an upcoming election and a transitional period extending to 2025, immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue are crucial for peace.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a virtual summit to address the ongoing crisis in South Sudan. As the guarantor of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), IGAD reiterated its unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue, de-escalating tensions, and securing a peaceful future for the South Sudanese people.
Outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed profound concern regarding the rising violence and clashes occurring in Nasir County, located in the Upper Nile state of South Sudan. His apprehension was detailed in a press release, which referenced a serious incident involving an attack on a United Nations helicopter, alongside disturbances in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el-Ghazal.
Mahamat condemned this increase in violence and urged all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint. He called for the authorities to hold those responsible accountable for their actions while taking necessary measures to ensure the protection of civilians. Furthermore, he demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities and adherence to ceasefire agreements, emphasizing the importance of engaging in national dialogue.
Following years of civil conflict, the political leadership in South Sudan signed a peace agreement in 2018. This was later followed by an agreement in August 2022 to extend the transitional period, aiming for a conclusion by February 2025, with elections scheduled for December 2023, after experiencing several delays.
The virtual summit led by IGAD highlights the ongoing commitment to resolving the South Sudan crisis through dialogue and peacebuilding efforts. The alarming rise in violence, particularly the attack on UN personnel, calls for urgent restraint and accountability. With elections approaching and transitional efforts underway, it is imperative that all parties engage constructively to ensure lasting peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
