IGAD demands the immediate release of officials linked to Riek Machar, cautioning that their detention may jeopardize the fragile peace agreement in South Sudan. Following recent violent clashes, IGAD calls for transparent legal proceedings and investigations into these events. The bloc emphasizes the need for accelerated reforms and dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions and ensure stability in the region.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called for the immediate release of officials associated with South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar. This demand comes amid heightened tensions and violence in the country following recent clashes in Upper Nile State. IGAD warns that the continued detention of these officials could undermine the fragile peace agreement in place.
In a communiqué following an emergency virtual summit led by Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, the regional bloc urged President Salva Kiir’s government to release the detainees unless there is credible evidence that justifies any legal actions in a transparent manner. Although the names of the detained officials were not disclosed, it was noted that arrests have disrupted security mechanisms established by the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which ended a prolonged civil war.
These developments are particularly concerning in light of recent clashes on March 7 and 8 in Nasir County, which resulted in the deaths of army commander Gen. Majur Duk and a UN staff member. In response, Kiir’s administration detained several allies of Machar, including key figures such as Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol.
IGAD condemned the violence and instructed its ceasefire monitoring body to investigate the recent clashes and an attack on a UN helicopter. Additionally, the bloc plans to send a ministerial team to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, to evaluate the halted peace talks and advocate for inclusive dialogue among conflicting parties.
The integrity of the 2018 peace agreement has been repeatedly challenged due to delays in elections, unmet security reform obligations, and lingering mistrust between Kiir and Machar. While IGAD acknowledged the joint appeal for calm following the Nasir violence, it conveyed profound concern regarding ongoing ceasefire violations. The organization also urged the expedited unification of armed forces and the drafting of a permanent constitution.
Regional mediation initiatives, such as Kenya’s Tumaini Initiative which aims to engage non-signatory factions, received endorsement from IGAD. Furthermore, religious and civil society leaders were encouraged to facilitate reconciliation efforts.
Participants from Uganda were present as observers, while representatives from the UN and African Union emphasized the need for consistent international support. IGAD expressed that the stability of South Sudan is contingent upon the enforcement of overdue reforms, reinforcing that dialogue remains the sole avenue for conflict resolution.
Although IGAD did not detail potential repercussions for failure to comply with its directives, it announced its intention to maintain high-level engagement to prevent a re-escalation of conflict. South Sudanese observer Edmund Yakani noted the summit’s outcomes as “encouraging,” urging government leaders to promptly fulfill outstanding peace commitments. He highlighted a significant trust deficit within the unity government as the main barrier to essential reforms, allowing elements opposing peace to undermine stability efforts.
In conclusion, IGAD’s urgent call for the release of officials linked to Riek Machar underscores the importance of maintaining South Sudan’s peace agreement amidst escalating violence. The organization’s commitment to investigate recent clashes and enhance dialogue illustrates its proactive stance in supporting the nation’s stability. However, without swift action from the South Sudanese leadership to overcome trust deficits and implement key reforms, the peace process remains vulnerable to disruption.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
