- IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, visits South Sudan to assess peace efforts.
- The focus of the visit is on the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
- High-level meetings with South Sudanese officials aim to support peace initiatives.
- The unresolved status of First Vice President Riek Machar raises concerns over political tensions.
- Activists urge IGAD to facilitate Machar’s release to stabilize the peace process.
IGAD Official Visits South Sudan to Assess Peace Efforts
Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has arrived in Juba, South Sudan, for a critical two-day official visit. His trip, which began on a Wednesday, is primarily aimed at evaluating how well the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, known as R-ARCSS, is being implemented. This agreement, signed in the wake of a devastating civil war, is essential for fostering peace and stability in the nation, and Gebeyehu’s discussions are expected to be instrumental in pointing the way forward.
Meetings Focus on Peace Implementation and Challenges
Upon landing, Gebeyehu wasted no time and held a series of high-stakes meetings, engaging immediately with important government figures. One of his first meetings was with Monday Semaya Kumba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, followed by talks with other ministers who play significant roles in the peace process. Gebeyehu, during these discussions, reiterated the necessity for all parties to honor their commitments under the R-ARCSS, emphasizing the urgent need for more robust action by stakeholders involved. He reaffirmed IGAD’s ongoing support for the South Sudanese government during this crucial time in their peace journey, highlighting the complexities and vital nature of their ongoing efforts.
Political Tensions Risk Undermining Progress on Peace
However, the visit is not without its controversies. It remains uncertain if Gebeyehu will be allowed to meet the detained First Vice President Riek Machar, who has been under house arrest since March. The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Gebeyehu’s arrival, describing the visit as a testament to their collaboration with the IGAD and their commitment to working with regional entities for mutual benefits. On the ground, civil society voices, like those of activist Ter Manyang Gatwech, are calling on IGAD to take decisive action regarding Machar’s release to alleviate rising political tensions. Manyang warns that these tensions pose a significant threat to the already fragile peace process and could derail efforts made.
In summary, Workneh Gebeyehu’s visit to South Sudan underscores the essential role of IGAD in navigating the complexities of the peace process in the region. The ongoing political tensions and the uncertainty regarding Riek Machar’s situation highlight the fragility of the peace that was hard-won after years of civil strife. Moving forward, the continued commitment of both South Sudan’s government and IGAD will be crucial in addressing the issues at hand and advancing towards a stable future with scheduled elections on the horizon in December 2026.
