Addis Ababa South Sudan’s Warring Parties Sign New Ceasefire Deal

The South Sudanese political stakeholders that have been deliberated for the past four days concluded the first phase of the high level revitalization forum aimed to revitalize the 2015 peace accord.

Civil war has erupted in South Sudan that gained independence in 2011 since 2013 due to power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar.

A peace agreement was signed in 2015 but collapsed in July 2016 when fighting erupted in the capital Juba.

 “There is now no longer space or excuse for any violations of human rights, international humanitarian law and international humanitarian principles in South Sudan” said Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers, Dr. Workeneh Gebeyehu after the signing of the agreement.

The conclusion of the agreement is the beginning to end political conflict in South Sudan, he added.

All parties as well as non-signatories are obliged to observe the cessation of hostilities agreement which is inclusive and binding upon them, he added.

“I have no doubt that the agreement signed today is a milestone for the people and the country, giving the opportunity to achieve forward the peace and stability that they, and you so desperately need, ” he pointed out.

Mentioning that the agreement is merely an expression of good will, he said “Now South Sudan stakeholders face the task of implementing these agreements, the necessity of demonstrating the commitments they have agreed to and the obligations which they have assumed”.

“We are happy with developments but I must emphasize that we will continue to follow up and single out spoilers to be named and shamed and take action as necessary to ensure your effort in reaching these decisions is not wasted” he stressed.

Chairperson of African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat said the agreement will put an end to the crisis exhibited in South Sudan exhibited.

“We are satisfied with the future outcome of your deliberation by the signing the agreement on cessation of hostiles, protection of civilians and humanitarian access. The signing of this agreement will put an end to the tragedy that South Sudan is experiencing.”

Since more than half of South Sudan population needs humanitarian assistance, the Chairperson said, “It is therefore important to ensure the protection of humanitarian agencies and to lift all the hurdles to their action and this will be the real test of your commitment”.

The Chairperson urged South Sudanese stakeholders to deliver on the commitments made and build on the important achievement and continue to make the necessary compromises without which the revitalization process cannot succeed.

The agreement brought the role of religion, women, youth, private business, elders and eminent personalities into the peace process ensuring inclusivity and to provide the basis of building social cohesion, it was learned.

During the forum all South Sudanese delegations highlighted the important role of neighboring IGAD member countries and of the international community in supporting the implementation of the agreement and the overall revitalization forum.

source ena