The IGAD Heads of State will meet on March 12, 2025, to discuss the escalating crisis in South Sudan, particularly tensions between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar. The summit, led by Djibouti’s President Guelleh, aims to uphold the 2018 peace agreement in the face of new violence in the region. Recent detentions of military leaders compound the challenges ahead as the region grapples with ongoing armed conflict.
The Heads of State from the eight member nations of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) will convene on March 12, 2025, to address the escalating civil unrest in South Sudan. This extraordinary summit, chaired by Djibouti President Israel Omar Guelleh, aims to confront the imminent threat of civil war between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar, who leads an armed faction.
IGAD’s secretariat has indicated that the summit’s focus will be the critical situation in South Sudan. Participating heads of state will include notable leaders such as Yoweri Museveni from Uganda and Kenya’s William Ruto. This gathering is part of IGAD’s ongoing commitment to mediating peace efforts, following their role as guarantors of the fragile 2018 Revitalised Agreement.
Previously, IGAD facilitated a peace agreement in 2015, which failed after one year due to renewed conflict. The 2018 Revitalised Agreement aimed to resolve the ongoing hostilities in the nation but is at risk again with new violence emerging in Juba and Upper Nile state.
The United States has reported that armed conflict continues to plague South Sudan, with escalating violence between political factions and ethnic groups, complicating the country’s stability. Reports highlight that weapon availability among the populace contributes to this turmoil, alongside frequent cattle raids leading to further conflict.
In a recent development, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces aligned with the armed opposition, along with the Minister of Petroleum, has been detained by the military, further intensifying the political crisis.
The IGAD’s 43rd Extraordinary Summit aims to address the escalating tensions in South Sudan, emphasizing the urgency of maintaining peace amidst the imminent risk of civil war. As the guarantor of previous peace agreements, IGAD seeks to instigate dialogue and de-escalate current hostilities. The situation remains precarious with ongoing armed conflict, raising serious concerns over the stability of South Sudan as it heads into another potential crisis.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
