IGAD Heads of State to Address South Sudan Civil Crisis

The IGAD Heads of State will convene on March 12, 2025, to address the escalating civil war in South Sudan. The summit, led by President Israel Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, aims to discuss tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar amidst an active armed conflict in the nation. IGAD asserts its commitment to peace and stabilization efforts in South Sudan.

The Heads of State from eight member nations of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are scheduled to meet on Wednesday to address the escalating civil conflict in South Sudan. This 43rd extraordinary summit is convened by Djibouti’s President, Israel Omar Guelleh, who currently chairs IGAD.

According to a statement from the IGAD secretariat, the summit will focus on the critical situation in South Sudan, where tensions are escalating between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar, who leads the armed opposition. The summit is to take place virtually on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Attendees will include Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, William Ruto of Kenya, Abdel Fattah al-Bruhan of Sudan, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud of Somalia, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, along with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. IGAD is reaffirming its role as the guarantor of the fragile 2018 peace agreement, which established the current government of national unity.

The IGAD secretariat stated that it remains dedicated to fostering dialogue, reducing tensions, and ensuring a peaceful future in South Sudan, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the Revitalised Agreement (R-ARCSS).

The initial peace agreement, facilitated by IGAD in 2015, concluded after a protracted civil war that began in December 2013. This agreement subsequently collapsed in 2016 due to renewed conflict. A second peace accord, known as the Revitalised Agreement, was established in 2018.

Recent developments in Juba and Nasir in the Upper Nile state, however, are threatening to ignite a full-blown war. The U.S. Department of State has indicated that active armed conflicts persist in South Sudan, characterized by fighting among various political and ethnic groups. Available arms have exacerbated violence, particularly through frequent cattle raids across the nation.

Additionally, high-ranking officials including South Sudan’s Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, and Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang, have reportedly been arrested by military forces under the command of Dr. Riek Machar.

The upcoming IGAD summit is a crucial step in addressing the escalating conflict in South Sudan, as it seeks to unify regional leaders in supporting the fragile peace agreements. With renewed tensions threatening to erupt into war, the commitment to dialogue and peace is essential for the future stability of the nation. Continued support from IGAD as a guarantor of peace is vital as South Sudan navigates this challenging period.

Original Source: chimpreports.com