IGAD boss Gebeyehu holds high level meetings in South Sudan

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu arrived in Juba, South Sudan, on Wednesday to begin his two-day official visit to the country.

The visit, according to IGAD, is in line with its facilitative role towards implementing the Revitalised Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Mohammed Abdallah, the deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in South Sudan, received Gebeyehu.

Immediately after landing, Gebeyehu convened a series of high-level meetings in Juba. These meetings aimed to assess the progress made thus far and chart a course forward in supporting the efforts of the people and the Government of South Sudan towards sustainable peace and development.

The first meeting, held with the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) chair, Major General (Retired) Charles Tai Gituai, and the chair of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), Major General Hailu Gonfa, focused on the status of implementation of the peace agreement signed in Addis Ababa in 2018. Deliberations revolved around the challenges encountered and the necessary steps to overcome them to ensure the agreement's effective implementation.

Expressing his commitment to the peace process, IGAD Secretary General Gebeyehu stated, "We are here today to assess the progress made in the implementation of the peace agreement and to identify areas where further support and collaboration are needed. The people of South Sudan deserve lasting peace, and IGAD remains steadfast in its support to achieve this goal."

Following this meeting, Dr Gebeyehu engaged with the High-Level Standing Committee, led by the Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro Lomuro.

Discussions during this session centred on reinforcing the progress envisioned through the revitalised peace agreement. The participants reiterated their commitment to work closely to address challenges and consolidate achievements, ultimately realising the aspirations of the South Sudanese people for lasting peace and prosperity.

Reflecting on the discussions, Dr Gebeyehu emphasised the importance of collaboration and determination in achieving sustainable peace in South Sudan. "Today's meetings underscore the collective commitment towards peace and stability in South Sudan. IGAD stands ready to continue supporting the government and the people of South Sudan in their journey towards peace, security, and prosperity."

He will also meet leaders and representatives of the Trilateral Mechanism, the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and IGAD.

The Revitalised Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan prescribes essential tasks necessary for advancing solid democracy and sustainable political transition in the country. It was signed on September 12, 2018, to end the 2013–2018 South Sudanese civil war and explore options for finding enduring peace in the country.

The R-ARCSS agreement was signed between the government side, the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), the main opposition (the South Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), former detainees (FD), and other opposition parties (OPP).