The IGAD will host the 43rd Extraordinary Summit on March 12, 2025, to discuss the escalating situation in South Sudan, where recent violence threatens the peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar. Key issues include recent arrests of Machar-aligned officials and ongoing clashes with militias, emphasizing the necessity for serious dialogue and peace implementation efforts.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is poised to hold its 43rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government to discuss the situation in South Sudan. This event is scheduled to occur virtually on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. IGAD reaffirmed its dedication to fostering dialogue, alleviating tensions, and securing a peaceful future for the South Sudanese population, as expressed in an official statement.
In recent days, renewed fighting has jeopardized the fragile peace deal established between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. President Kiir has urged for calm and reassured the nation that a return to war is not imminent. The situation escalated when a UN helicopter, tasked with evacuating national army personnel, came under fire, resulting in fatalities, including the death of one crew member.
Earlier in the week, the deputy chief of the army, along with two ministers affiliated with Machar, were detained by security forces. An opposition spokesperson deemed these arrests a significant breach of the existing peace agreement. These detentions followed clashes in the Upper Nile state, involving government forces and a militia known as the White Army, which had previously allied with Machar during the civil conflict.
South Sudan, recognized as the world’s newest nation, gained independence from Sudan in 2011. However, following a divided leadership between Kiir and Machar just two years post-independence, the nation plunged into civil war, claiming over 400,000 lives. The 2018 power-sharing accord that halted hostilities has not been fully realized, with crucial components yet to be acted upon, such as the establishment of a new constitution, elections, and the consolidation of armed factions into a unified military. Sporadic violence persists across various regions of the country.
In summary, the IGAD Summit serves as a critical platform for addressing the escalating tensions in South Sudan. The ongoing disputes between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar threaten the already precarious peace framework established in 2018. Continued adherence to dialogue and implementation of key elements of the peace agreement are essential for ensuring stability and preventing a resurgence of conflict in this newly independent nation.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
