IGAD and Partners Appeal for Calm, Urge Presidency to Complete Peace Implementation       

By. Ruot George
Representatives from the East African Regional bloc, The Intergovernmental Authority on Development in a joint press statement issued on April 1st has appealed for calm and urged South Sudanese leaders to continue to dialogue and complete the implementation of provision of the 2018 Peace deal.
The delegation separately met the president, first vice president and other vice presidents “The delegation met H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and H.E. First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, and on Thursday 31 March 2022, Excellencies Vice Presidents Mama Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, Dr. Wani Igga, and Gen. Taban Deng Gai.” And “Urged them de-escalate the heightened political tensions, dialogue amongst themselves to address any concerns, and return to full implementation of the Agreement.”
“A high-level joint delegation comprising of Special Representative of the Chairperson and Head of the AU Mission in South Sudan, H.E. Amb. Prof. Joram Biswaro, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan, Prof. Nicholas Haysom, Special Envoy of IGAD for South Sudan, H.E. Amb. Dr Ismail Wais, and Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai (rtd), held two days of consultations with the Presidency of the Republic of South Sudan on recent matters of concern in the country.”
Reads part of the statement issued on April 2 “members of the Presidency to recommit to the full implementation of the 2018 Peace Agreement, and urged them to fulfil their commitments in order to demonstrate to the nation their true desire for peace.”
Last week members representing SPLM – IO in the security mechanism pulled out of the all the meetings of R-JMEC and CTSAMVM citing what they call deliberate attacks on their bases in Unity and Upper Nile States.
Their withdrawal led to more clashes in Maiwut in Upper Nile State leading to international condemnation.
Tension then built up in Juba with the first vice President Dr. Riek Machar’s residence reportedly surrounded by government soldiers loyal to president Kiir.
President Kiir issued a press statement on Monday and said the deployment of the soldiers was meant to protect the first vice president Dr. Riek Machar from criminals in Juba.
The delegation says they are encouraged by the parties showing commitment to implement the Peace agreement.