His Excellency Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti, expressed serious concern over escalating violence in South Sudan. He emphasized the importance of the Revitalized Agreement for peace and proposed key actions for de-escalation, implementation of the peace agreement, regional support, and inclusive dialogue among stakeholders. He urged South Sudanese leaders to engage in cooperation and called for ongoing international support during the transition period.
His Excellency Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, the President of the Republic of Djibouti, addressed concerns regarding the worsening situation in South Sudan, particularly noting the violence in Upper Nile, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Western Equatorial States. He emphasized the necessity for compromise, inclusivity, and genuine dialogue to pave the way for peace. He highlighted the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict, established in 2018, which remains crucial for peace in South Sudan and the region.
President Guelleh acknowledged the importance of extending the transitional period to enhance dialogue but expressed concern over renewed tensions and violence, particularly in areas such as Nasir. He extended his condolences for the lives lost in recent escalations. He also pointed out the underlying political tensions marked by the recent arrests of senior officials of the Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity, stating the need for dialogue to restore trust in the peace process.
As Chair of IGAD, President Guelleh encouraged the Reconstituted Transitional Government to show unwavering commitment to the agreement. He remarked on the significant advancements made since 2018 and praised the efforts of H.E. President William Ruto for promoting peace through the Tumaini Initiative, affirming IGAD’s commitment to support South Sudan during the extended transitional period.
Guelleh proposed several actions to facilitate peace: First, immediate de-escalation of hostilities, including the release of detained officials. Next, an accelerated implementation of the peace agreement with a clear timeline for military unification, constitutional drafting, and election preparations, overseen by a high-level monitoring team from IGAD. Third, he urged for enhanced regional support from IGAD member states for successful peace agreement implementation. Lastly, he called for inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders to address conflict causes and foster a mutual vision for the future.
In closing, Guelleh called on South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize open communication and cooperation, assuring the public and the international community of their collective watchfulness. He urged continued technical and financial support from the United Nations, African Union, and international partners during the next two years of the transition.
In conclusion, President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s statement underscores the urgent need for peace and stability in South Sudan amidst escalating violence and political tensions. He reiterated the importance of the Revitalized Agreement and proposed actionable measures, including de-escalation, accelerated peace implementation, increased regional support, and inclusive dialogue. Guelleh’s appeal for commitment from South Sudanese leaders highlights the expectation for unity and cooperation in addressing the nation’s challenges. Continued support from the international community remains vital to navigate this critical transition.
Original Source: igad.int
