IGAD Summit Addresses Rising Tensions in South Sudan Crisis

The IGAD virtual summit addresses the South Sudan crisis, reaffirming its commitment to peace. AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expresses concern over escalating violence, condemning actions that threaten peace efforts. He calls for restraint, accountability, and urgent national dialogue to restore stability as South Sudan moves towards elections scheduled for December 2023.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a virtual summit to address the ongoing crisis in South Sudan. As the guarantor of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), IGAD’s commitment remains in fostering dialogue, de-escalating tensions, and ensuring a peaceful future for the nation’s populace.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson, expressed significant concern regarding the escalating hostilities in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. His remarks highlighted the severity of the situation, where recent events included a deadly attack on a United Nations helicopter, along with violence reported in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el-Ghazal.

Mahamat condemned the violent acts and urged all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint. Furthermore, he insisted that accountable actions be taken against the offenders and emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged compliance with ceasefire agreements, advocating for urgent engagement in national dialogue.

After several years of civil strife, South Sudan’s political leaders signed a peace accord in 2018. In August 2022, they agreed to extend the transitional period, setting a conclusion date in February 2025, with elections anticipated in December of this year, despite previous delays.

The IGAD summit underscores its commitment to facilitating peace in South Sudan amidst rising tensions. Outgoing AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat calls for restraint and accountability while urging a return to dialogue and cessation of violence. The ongoing peace process, aided by previous agreements, is crucial for the country’s stability and future elections scheduled for December 2023.

Original Source: www.plenglish.com