IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu has urged for restraint and dialogue to address the escalating tensions and violence in South Sudan. As armed clashes continue to threaten the peace process established by the R-ARCSS, IGAD plans to send a high-level delegation to engage with the government and restore calm.
The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, has called for restraint and dialogue in response to escalating tensions in South Sudan. He expressed deep concerns over the violent clashes occurring in Nasir County, emphasizing that these developments could jeopardize the significant progress achieved through the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Gebeyehu urged all involved parties to exhibit maximum restraint, reaffirm their commitment to the R-ARCSS, and focus on dialogue and reconciliation as essential pathways to attaining peace. He highlighted the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring regional stability amidst the rising unrest.
In light of the situation, IGAD has decided to send a high-level delegation to assess conditions on the ground. This team will engage with the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) on necessary measures to restore calm and advance the peace process, reiterating IGAD’s commitment as the guarantor of the revitalised peace accord.
The recent clashes, which have reportedly resulted in over 20 fatalities, stem from tensions following the government’s announcement regarding the rotation of troops stationed in the area for several years. The security situation has deteriorated significantly, with violence erupting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and armed civilian groups in Nasir County since mid-February.
In summary, IGAD Chief Workneh Gebeyehu has emphasized the necessity for restraint and constructive dialogue to alleviate tensions in South Sudan, particularly in Nasir County. He warned that ongoing violence endangers the peace process established by the R-ARCSS and announced IGAD’s decision to dispatch a high-level delegation to address the crisis and promote regional stability.
Original Source: ommcomnews.com
