The IGAD leaders have declared that dialogue is imperative for resolving South Sudan’s conflicts. They condemned violence and urged for adherence to ceasefire terms established in the 2018 agreement. Key directives include investigating recent clashes and fostering grassroots peace initiatives to empower marginalized populations.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) heads of state have emphasized that dialogue is essential to resolving the ongoing tensions in South Sudan. Following their 43rd Extraordinary Assembly, the leaders expressed deep concern regarding the escalation of violence and breaches of ceasefire agreements in the region. They reiterated their commitment to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) established in 2018, viewing it as fundamental to the peace process.
In their joint statement, the leaders condemned recent violent incidents, including the killing of General Majur Duk, a commander in the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, and assaults on UN personnel. They urged all parties involved to de-escalate tensions promptly and respect the Permanent Ceasefire, as well as called for the swift release of detained officials. “Dialogue and discussion remain the only means for resolving differences,” they stated.
The assembly also directed the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanisms (CTSAMVM) to investigate the clashes in Nasir and the assault on a UN helicopter, ensuring accountability for ceasefire violations. Furthermore, they tasked the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan with engaging all armed factions to guarantee adherence to ceasefire agreements.
The leaders advocated for support of grassroots peace initiatives, encouraging religious and traditional authorities, alongside civil society, to promote reconciliation and empower underrepresented groups, including women and youth. The summit, chaired by Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti, witnessed the participation of various regional leaders and representatives, all advocating for a consolidated approach to restoring peace in South Sudan.
The IGAD heads of state have reiterated the necessity of dialogue in addressing the entrenched tensions in South Sudan. Emphasizing the importance of the 2018 ceasefire agreements, they condemned recent violence and called for immediate enforcement of peace measures. Their directives seek to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders and support community-level initiatives aimed at reconciliation and essential empowerment of marginalized groups.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
