South Sudanese Women Call for Action to Prevent Civil War at IGAD Summit

United women from diverse civil societies in South Sudan have urged IGAD leaders to take action against the potential onset of a third civil war. They highlighted the humanitarian crisis aggravated by political violence, particularly affecting women and children. The 43rd extraordinary summit convened to address this escalating situation between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability.

In a call to action, united women from various civil societies in South Sudan are urging the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State summit to intervene and prevent a potential third civil war. As these leaders gather for the 43rd extraordinary summit, the organizations expressed grave concern about the ongoing political unrest in regions such as Western Equatoria, Western Bahr El Ghazal, and Upper Nile States, highlighting the significant displacement and loss of lives as distressing outcomes of the conflict.

Prominent women’s organizations, including the South Sudan Women’s Coalition for Peace, the Women Bloc of South Sudan, and the Gender Empowerment for South Sudan Organization, issued a collective statement emphasizing their commitment to peace. They indicated their rejection of any recurrence of war, signifying that it is neither a viable option nor a solution to the nation’s issues.

The statement further underscored the severe impact of political violence on women and children, who have borne its disastrous consequences for too long. They articulated the economic struggles faced by families, exacerbated by the violence, making it increasingly challenging for women to secure basic necessities for their loved ones.

The current gathering of the eight IGAD member nation heads aims to address the critical situation in South Sudan, which teeters on the verge of full conflict between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar, the latter leading an armed opposition. The summit is hosted by Djibouti’s President, Israel Omar Guelleh, as part of efforts to tackle the escalating crisis and promote sustainable peace in the region.

The united women of South Sudan have made a compelling plea to IGAD leaders to avert another civil war and highlight the urgent need for peace. Their emphasis on the detrimental effects of ongoing violence on women and children underscores a pressing humanitarian crisis. As the IGAD convenes, effective intervention from these leaders is critical to stabilize the region and support those affected by conflict.

Original Source: chimpreports.com