IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, has called for restraint and dialogue in response to escalating tensions and armed clashes in South Sudan’s Nasir County. Concerned about the threats to peace from recent violence, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict. IGAD plans to dispatch a high-level delegation to assess the situation and support peace discussions.
Workneh Gebeyehu, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has urged restraint and dialogue amidst escalating tensions in South Sudan, particularly in Nasir County. He expressed deep concern over recent armed conflicts that threaten the stability and peace achieved under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Gebeyehu called upon all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint and reaffirm their commitment to R-ARCSS, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and reconciliation as essential steps toward sustainable peace and civilian protection. The East African bloc is committed to supporting the full implementation of the peace agreement.
In light of the ongoing violence, including clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and armed civilian groups, IGAD plans to send a high-level delegation to assess the situation. This mission aims to engage with the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to discuss actions for restoring calm and advancing the peace process.
The recent clashes, triggered by government announcements to deploy new forces to Nasir County following years of troop stationing there, have resulted in over 20 deaths and several injuries on the outskirts of the deserted town, near the South Sudan-Ethiopia border. IGAD’s initiative signifies a proactive approach to mitigate the unrest and facilitate peace efforts.
The IGAD’s call for restraint and dialogue reflects a crucial step toward addressing ongoing tensions in South Sudan. By emphasizing collaboration and commitment to the peace agreement, Gebeyehu’s statements highlight the need for immediate action to prevent further escalation. The deployment of a high-level delegation signifies IGAD’s commitment to actively support and promote stability in the region, assuring that peace efforts continue despite recent conflicts.
Original Source: ommcomnews.com
