IGAD Leader Calls for Dialogue and Restraint to Mitigate South Sudan Tensions

Synopsis

On March 6, IGAD's Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu emphasized the need for restraint and dialogue to alleviate escalating tensions in South Sudan, particularly in Nasir County, where armed clashes have raised concerns over peace and stability in the region.

Key Takeaways

IGAD calls for restraint and dialogue.
Concerns over escalating violence in Nasir County.
Threats to the Revitalised Agreement on Conflict Resolution.
High-level delegation to assess the situation.
Commitment to peace and civilian protection emphasized.

Addis Ababa, March 6 (NationPress) The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Workneh Gebeyehu, has urged all factions to engage in dialogue and exercise restraint in light of the increasing tensions in South Sudan.

In a statement, the executive secretary of the East African bloc expressed deep concern regarding the rising tensions and violent clashes occurring in Nasir County, South Sudan.

These recent events threaten the significant progress achieved in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and jeopardize peace within the nation, according to Gebeyehu.

He urged all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint, reaffirm their commitment to the R-ARCSS, and prioritize dialogue and reconciliation as the only viable route to peace, while ensuring the protection of civilians and maintaining regional stability.

The eight-member East African bloc has resolved to send a high-level delegation to assess the situation on the ground and engage with the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity to implement measures aimed at restoring calm and fostering the peace process, Gebeyehu stated.

As the guarantor of the revitalized peace accord, IGAD reaffirms its unwavering commitment to facilitating the complete implementation of the agreement, he added.

Clashes began in mid-February between the South Sudan People's Defence Forces and armed civilian factions in Nasir County.

The tensions heightened following the government's announcement of plans to deploy new forces to Nasir County to rotate troops that had been stationed there for years.

Reports indicate that over 20 individuals have lost their lives and many others have been injured on the outskirts of the now-deserted town of Nasir, situated near the border between South Sudan and Ethiopia.

In light of the situation, IGAD will send a high-level delegation to assess the conditions on the ground and consult with the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) regarding actions to restore calm and progress the peace process.