IGAD calls for ceasefire in South Sudan as regional leaders meet to address security crisis
IGAD’s Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu said the authority’s Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification will be reinforced to ensure compliance with the ceasefire.
An extraordinary Heads of State summit convened by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Wednesday has called for an unconditional ceasefire between the warring factions in South Sudan.
While making the call, IGAD’s Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu said the authority’s Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification (CTSAMVM) will be reinforced to ensure compliance with the ceasefire.
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He spoke while addressing the heads of states present at the virtual summit convened with the support of the African Union and the United Nations to sustain engagement between South Sudan’s leaders following the evolving security situation in South Sudan.
IGAD called for an urgent dialogue between the leadership of South Sudan, facilitated by a Head of State from within the IGAD region, which is essential to restore mutual confidence and culminate in a joint public declaration affirming their commitment to peace.
“The government of South Sudan is urged to forthwith release detained officials unless credible evidence warrants legal proceedings
conducted transparently and in accordance with due process, lift any undue restrictions, and restore standard security arrangements,” said Dr Workneh.
At the same time, the authority advised that the Joint Defence Board be promptly reconvened to address contentious deployments, such as those in Nasir, and oversee the safe withdrawal of forces, in coordination with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Independent probe
It also called for an independent investigation into the Nasir clashes and the attack on the UN helicopter to be undertaken by CTSAMVM to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability for any violations.
The authority further reiterated its calls for intensified efforts to promote reconciliation, including additional support to the Tumaini Initiative which is engaging non-signatories to the agreement and a comprehensive strategy for the inclusion of all communities and stakeholders to counter divisive narratives and rebuild public trust.
Last week, the situation deteriorated when the “White Army” militia linked to Riek Machar and his party, the Sudan People’s Liberation
Movement clashed with South Sudanese forces in Upper Nile putting the permanent ceasefire enshrined in the agreement in jeopardy.
The clashes led to the arrest of some of his allies as he remains under house arrest.
The worrying situation led to concerns over the nation’s vulnerability to violence.
“Whereas Juba has maintained an outward semblance of calm, the underlying tension is unmistakable as evidenced by enhanced security
measures. Politically speaking, your Excellencies, the Nasir clashes are the latest episode in a series of incidents and cyclic violence that
have been placing increased pressure on the 2018 peace agreement and pushing South Sudan ever closer to the brink of war,” said Dr Workneh.
The authority noted that should tensions escalate, the risk of a return to widespread hostilities looms large, with repercussions that would
echo resoundingly across the region.
“I regret to report your Excellencies that the mechanisms established to oversee security arrangements, such as the Joint Defence Board, have fallen into disuse, and mutual confidence within the Presidency as established by the agreement has been gravely undermined. Moreover, progress on critical reforms, including drafting of a new constitution and preparations for elections, remains stalled, casting doubt on the practicality and chances of successfully realizing the objectives of the transitional roadmap within the stipulated timelines,” he added
The Heads of state present are expected to issue a communique from the meeting.
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