IGAD Virtual Summit Addresses Crisis in South Sudan and Urges Peaceful Dialogue

The IGAD virtual summit focused on the South Sudan crisis, emphasizing dialogue and peaceful resolution. African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed concerns over escalating violence, urging restraint and accountability. The summit reiterates the commitment to cease hostilities and engage in national dialogue amid ongoing tensions, following the 2018 peace agreement and extended transitional periods.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held a virtual summit to address the ongoing crisis in South Sudan, reaffirming its role as guarantor of the Revitalized Agreement (R-ARCSS). The summit emphasized IGAD’s commitment to dialogue, tension de-escalation, and securing a peaceful future for the South Sudanese populace.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, voiced significant concerns regarding the escalation of violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile state. He noted that incidents such as an attack on a United Nations helicopter, along with violence in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el-Ghazal, pose serious threats to the peace process.

Mahamat condemned the violent actions and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint. He insisted that authorities must hold those responsible for violence accountable and urged swift measures to ensure the safety of civilians. He also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for parties to engage in a national dialogue as mandated by previous agreements.

The backdrop of these discussions includes a tumultuous history of civil war in South Sudan, culminating in a peace agreement signed by warring political factions in 2018. In August 2022, these leaders agreed to extend the transitional period, aiming for a 2025 resolution, with elections anticipated for December this year, despite previous delays.

The IGAD virtual summit highlights the urgency of addressing the South Sudan crisis. With escalating violence threatening the fragile peace process, the commitment to dialogue and accountability is more crucial than ever. The call for an immediate end to hostilities and further national dialogue reflects a collective desire to secure stability and safety for the South Sudanese population.

Original Source: www.plenglish.com