The IGAD is convening an extraordinary summit on 12th March 2025 to address the worsening situation in South Sudan. Despite President Kiir’s calls for calm, recent violence threatens peace between Kiir and Machar. Key officials’ arrests highlight ongoing instability, while the unfulfilled elements of the 2018 power-sharing agreement pose significant challenges for lasting peace.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is organizing the 43rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government to discuss the ongoing crisis in South Sudan. Scheduled for 12th March 2025, this virtual summit aims to facilitate dialogue and achieve de-escalation of tensions in the region.
In a recent statement, IGAD reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), emphasizing its commitment to fostering dialogue and ensuring a peaceful resolution for the people of South Sudan.
Recent clashes have put significant strain on the fragile peace deal between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. President Kiir has urged for calm, reinforcing his promise that the country will not revert to war.
The situation escalated when a United Nations helicopter conducting evacuations was shot at during recent violence, resulting in the tragic deaths of several individuals. Just prior to this event, the deputy chief of the army and two ministers associated with Machar were detained, prompting opposition leaders to label these arrests as a serious breach of the peace agreement.
These detentions followed violent confrontations in Upper Nile state between government forces and the White Army militia, which had previously allied with Machar during the civil war. South Sudan, having gained independence in 2011, has faced persistent instability with over 400,000 fatalities during the ensuing conflicts since a rift between Kiir and Machar spurred civil war only two years after independence.
The power-sharing agreement established in 2018 brought a temporary halt to the violence; however, numerous critical provisions remain unfulfilled, including the establishment of a new constitution, elections, and the integration of armed factions into a unified military. Instances of violence involving various ethnic or local groups continue to affect many regions of the country.
In conclusion, IGAD’s upcoming summit represents a pivotal effort to mitigate the crisis in South Sudan amidst rising tensions. The ongoing violence and political turmoil underscore the urgent need for dialogue and the upholding of previously agreed-upon measures to attain a stable and peaceful future for South Sudan. Ensuring the implementation of the 2018 power-sharing agreement will be vital in alleviating further unrest and fostering national unity.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
