Women from South Sudan’s civil society organizations are urging IGAD leaders to intervene and prevent a potential civil war. They emphasize the negative impact of ongoing violence on women and children, calling for solutions at the 43rd IGAD summit led by Djibouti’s President. The situation between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar remains tense, risking further conflict.
A coalition of women from various civil society organizations in South Sudan has urged IGAD leaders to intervene and prevent a potential third civil war. They expressed their concerns at the 43rd extraordinary summit, highlighting political unrest in states like Western Equatoria, Western Bahr El Ghazal, and Upper Nile. The coalition includes the South Sudan Women’s Coalition for Peace and others committed to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement for Conflict Resolution.
The representatives emphasized, “We categorically reject any return to war. War is neither an option nor a solution to the challenges facing our nation.” They drew attention to the dire impacts of conflict, stressing that women and children are disproportionately affected by political violence.
The women noted that economic hardships caused by the ongoing unrest have severely hindered their ability to support their families. They stated, “The South Sudanese people, particularly women and children, have endured the devastating consequences of violence for far too long.”
The IGAD Heads of State from eight member nations are gathering to address the situation in South Sudan, which is precariously close to escalating conflict between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar. This summit, led by Djibouti’s President Israel Omar Guelleh, intends to find solutions to halt the impending civil war.
In summary, South Sudanese women have urgently appealed to IGAD leaders to prevent an impending civil war. Through their collective voice, they express a strong rejection of violence as a solution and highlight the severe hardships faced by women and children due to ongoing political unrest. The IGAD summit aims to address these critical issues and identify pathways towards peace in the affected regions.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
