Regional bodies call for restraint in South Sudan as tensions rise after Machar’s arrest
IGAD's Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, said such developments undermine the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
The recent house arrest of South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar has sparked growing concern among regional bodies, with calls for immediate action to prevent further escalation of the tense situation in the country.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the African Union (AU) and the Kenyan government have all emphasised the need for restraint and dialogue.
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IGAD, a key regional body facilitating peace talks in South Sudan, expressed concerns over reports of Machar’s arrest and the escalating political tensions in the country.
IGAD's Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, said such developments undermine the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which remains the most viable framework for lasting peace.
"The current trajectory, if unchecked, could lead to a collapse of the transitional process and a relapse into full-scale war, with devastating consequences for the people of South Sudan and the region at large," Workneh warned.
He further called on all signatories to the agreement to exercise maximum restraint, prioritise dialogue and resolve their differences through inclusive and peaceful means.
Workneh reiterated IGAD's readiness to support mediation efforts and urged regional and international partners to reinforce the critical need for peace in South Sudan.
"IGAD remains ready to support mediation efforts and calls upon regional and international partners to reinforce the imperative of preserving peace in South Sudan," said Workneh.
Similarly, Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, emphasised the risks posed by unilateral actions that could undermine the peace process.
He said South Sudan is at a critical juncture and could either move toward stability or relapse into widespread conflict with severe consequences for the country and the entire region.
"The country's leaders stand on the brink of relapsing into widespread conflict or taking the country forward towards peace, recovery and democracy in the spirit of the consensus that was reached in 2018 when they signed and committed to implementing a Revitalized Peace Agreement," Haysom said.
The African Union (AU) has also expressed its deep concern over Machar's detention.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf underscored the importance of upholding the spirit and letter of the R-ARCSS.
He called on all stakeholders to de-escalate the situation, exercise maximum restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve any issues through peaceful means.
"The African Union stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of South Sudan. We are committed to the full and timely implementation of the peace agreement, and we remain ready to work closely with the government of South Sudan, regional and international partners, including UNMISS and IGAD, to foster stability and ensure inclusive governance in the country," said Youssouf.
The Kenyan government, through Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, also weighed in on the issue, calling on all parties to respect the peace agreements and exercise restraint.
Mudavadi underscored that the priority should be the well-being of the South Sudanese people, urging leaders to cease hostilities and work towards peace and stability in the country.
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