The recent IGAD summit on South Sudan witnessed the absence of key leaders Yoweri Museveni, William Ruto, and Ahmed Ali Abiy. The meeting focused on the serious security situation, urging dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders. Concerns were raised about escalating violence and the importance of adhering to the 2018 peace agreement.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Kenya’s President William Ruto, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy did not attend the recent virtual 43rd Extraordinary Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) concerning the South Sudan crisis. The summit, chaired by Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, focused on addressing the critical security situation in South Sudan. Notably, the only president present was Somalia’s Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The three leaders were represented by officials in the virtual meeting. Ethiopia’s representation included Dr. Gideon Timothewos, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Kenya’s National Security Advisor, Dr. Monica Juma, represented Ruto. Museveni was represented by three ministers: Jacob Marksons Oboth (Minister of Defence), Henry Oryem Okello (Minister of State for Foreign Affairs – International Cooperation), and John Mulimba (Minister of State for Foreign Affairs – Regional Affairs).
Reports indicate that both Museveni and Ruto have been active in discussions with the conflicting factions in South Sudan regarding the worsening security conditions. During the summit, participants urged South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar to engage in dialogue. A communique emphasized that dialogue is crucial for resolving disputes, reaffirming the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan as foundational for peace.
The summit expressed profound concern regarding escalating violence and ceasefire violations in South Sudan. Alarm was raised about increasing tensions in Juba, particularly following the recent Nasir incident and the detainment of senior military and governmental officials of the SPLM/A-IO. IGAD, as the guarantor of the fragile peace agreement established in 2018, leads efforts to stabilize the situation in South Sudan. The prior 2015 agreement and the subsequent government of national unity collapsed after a year, leading to renewed conflict before the 2018 accord was signed.
In summary, the absence of key leaders from the recent IGAD summit highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding the South Sudan crisis. The importance of dialogue and the reaffirmation of the 2018 peace agreement were central topics during the meeting. With continued violence and instability persisting, IGAD’s role as a facilitator remains critical for the future peace and stability of South Sudan.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
