IGAD Addresses Rising Tensions and Political Instability in South Sudan

IGAD expresses concern over escalating tensions in South Sudan following the arrests of key officials linked to Vice President Riek Machar. The organization calls for restraint and dialogue to protect the peace achieved through the R-ARCSS agreement. A high-level delegation will be sent to assess the situation and promote reconciliation.

The rising tensions and armed conflicts in Nasir County have prompted the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to express profound concern. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s Executive Secretary, urged all parties involved to show restraint and adhere to their commitments to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) peace process.

The current instability escalated following the arrests of high-profile officials, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam. These actions are seen as an exacerbation of the already volatile political landscape, posing a serious risk to the gains achieved since the 2018 peace deal.

In response, Dr. Workneh has emphasized the importance of dialogue and reconciliation. IGAD is planning to send a high-level delegation to assess the situation in Nasir County and to facilitate conversations between the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and other stakeholders to restore peace. This includes efforts to ensure civilian protection and regional stability.

Following the arrests, tension continued to mount as soldiers surrounded Riek Machar’s home in Juba. The cause of the arrests remains unclear, although they followed an armed attack by a group associated with Machar on an army base in Upper Nile State. Machar has indicated that the dismissals of his allies threaten the fragile peace agreement that concluded South Sudan’s five-year civil conflict, which resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths.

In summary, IGAD’s intervention highlights the critical need for restraint and commitment to dialogue in addressing the escalating tensions in South Sudan. The recent arrests of key political figures have heightened political instability, which poses a threat to the hard-won peace achieved in 2018. The planned high-level assessment and engagement by IGAD signify an urgent call for reconciliation and stability to prevent further violence and safeguard civilian lives.

Original Source: ghettoradio.co.ke