H.E. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti, expressed concern over escalating violence in South Sudan, calling for peace through compromise, dialogue, and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict. He proposed immediate actions for de-escalation, accelerated peace implementation, regional support, and inclusive dialogue to address underlying conflicts, urging both South Sudan’s leadership and international partners to act collaboratively for lasting peace.
His Excellency Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, expressed profound concern regarding the escalating violence in South Sudan, particularly in Upper Nile, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Western Equatorial States. He emphasized that attaining peace entails compromise, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to dialogue, underscoring the significance of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict established in 2018 as a vital framework for progress.
President Guelleh acknowledged the necessity of extensions to the transitional period as efforts to strengthen dialogue; however, he underscored the adverse effects these decisions have had on stability, highlighting recent violent incidents in Nasir and Eastern Equatorial. His condolences go out to the families affected by the violence, while he also expressed concern about the political tensions exemplified by the arrests of senior government officials, advocating for a concerted dialogue to restore trust in the peace process.
As the Chair of IGAD, President Guelleh called on the leadership of South Sudan to reaffirm their commitment to the peace agreement. He recognized the commendable efforts by His Excellency President William Ruto in promoting peace through the Tumaini Initiative, and he insisted that IGAD continues supporting South Sudan during the extended transition period.
To foster peace and stability, President Guelleh proposed several actions: 1) Immediate de-escalation of hostilities and the release of detained officials; 2) Accelerated implementation of the peace agreement with a clear timeline for necessary actions; 3) Enhanced regional support from IGAD member states; 4) Inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders to address the underlying conflict causes. He urged South Sudan’s leaders to demonstrate their commitment to dialogue and cooperation, acknowledging the heavy responsibility on their shoulders.
In conclusion, he appealed to the international community, including the UN and AU, for ongoing technical and financial support for South Sudan during the extension of the transitional period. His remarks highlighted the collective responsibility to fulfill the hopes of the South Sudanese people for lasting peace.
In summary, H.E. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s statement underscores the urgent need for peace and stability in South Sudan amidst escalating violence and political tensions. He outlined critical actions to facilitate peace, emphasizing the need for ceasefire, implementation of the peace agreement, enhanced regional support, and inclusive dialogue among stakeholders. His call for collaboration highlights the shared duty of both South Sudan’s leaders and the international community to ensure that the aspirations of the South Sudanese people are realized.
Original Source: igad.int
