IGAD demands the release of officials allied with Riek Machar to protect South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement amidst escalating tensions following recent violent clashes. The bloc’s virtual summit emphasized the urgency of reforms and continued dialogue, amid concerns over delayed elections and mistrust between Kiir and Machar. Regional mediation and support from civil leaders were highlighted to enhance the peace process.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called for the immediate release of officials associated with South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar. This request arises from concerns that their detention could jeopardize the fragile peace agreement amid rising tensions after recent violent clashes in Upper Nile State.
In a communiqué following an emergency virtual summit led by Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, IGAD urged President Salva Kiir’s government to release the detainees unless there is credible and transparently obtained evidence justifying their legal proceedings. The statement emphasized that such arrests threaten the security mechanisms established by the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), which concluded a five-year civil conflict between Kiir and Machar’s factions.
The recent clashes on March 7-8 in Nasir County, resulting in the deaths of Gen Majur Duk and a UN staff member, led to the detention of key Machar allies, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and various military officials. IGAD condemned these acts of violence and mandated its ceasefire monitoring body, the CTSAMVM, to investigate the events surrounding the clashes and the assault on a UN helicopter.
In addition to a condemnation of the violence, IGAD plans to send a ministerial team to Juba to assess stalled peace talks and promote inclusive dialogue. Nevertheless, the 2018 peace agreement has been hampered by delayed elections, failure to meet security reform targets, and ongoing mistrust between the leadership of Kiir and Machar.
While IGAD commended leaders for their calls for calm post-violence, it stressed deep concerns regarding ceasefire violations and the critical need for accelerated efforts towards unifying armed forces and drafting a new constitution. The organization also backed regional mediation initiatives, including Kenya’s Tumaini Initiative, which aims to engage with non-signatory groups, and encouraged religious and civil society leaders to facilitate reconciliation efforts.
The summit was attended by Ugandan representatives as observers, while UN and African Union envoys underscored the importance of cohesive international support. IGAD highlighted that South Sudan’s stability relies on implementing necessary reforms, reiterating that “dialogue and discussion remain the only means for resolving differences.”
While the consortium made no explicit mention of repercussions for non-compliance, it pledged to engage at high levels continuously to prevent a regression into conflict. Responding to IGAD’s statement, South Sudanese observer Edmund Yakani regarded the outcomes of the summit as “encouraging” but emphasized the urgency for the leadership to fulfill their peace commitments. He recognized a “severe trust deficit” among the unity government’s leaders as a major barrier to accomplishing essential reforms and transitional objectives under the peace deal, allowing “peace spoilers” to disrupt stability efforts.
IGAD’s demand for the release of Machar’s allies marks a critical response to rising tensions in South Sudan, emphasizing the need for adherence to the 2018 peace agreement. The bloc’s initiatives aim to stabilize the region and promote reconciliation amidst ongoing challenges like delayed reforms and distrust among leaders. Continued dialogue and compliance are essential for the country’s peace process. Despite positive signals from the summit, observers stress the necessity for urgent actions from South Sudan’s leadership to fulfill their commitments and rebuild trust.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
