IGAD Urges Immediate Release of Riek Machar Allies to Preserve Peace in South Sudan
IGAD has called for the immediate release of officials aligned with South Sudan’s Riek Machar, cautioning that their detention might destabilize the already fragile peace agreement following recent violence. The regional bloc urges the government to provide credible evidence for any legal actions against these officials. The peace process faces challenges due to mistrust and delayed reforms, highlighting the need for cohesive action from leadership.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called for the immediate release of South Sudan officials aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar, cautioning that their detention could undermine the fragile peace agreement amidst rising tensions following recent violent clashes in Upper Nile State. The regional bloc’s appeal followed an emergency summit chaired by Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh.
In its communiqué, IGAD urged President Salva Kiir’s government to release the detained officials unless transparent legal proceedings can be substantiated by credible evidence. While specific names were not disclosed, the statement highlighted that the arrests have hindered security arrangements established by the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), which concluded a prolonged civil war between Kiir and Machar’s factions.
These developments came after clashes on March 7-8 in Nasir County led to the death of Gen Majur Duk of the South Sudanese army, along with a United Nations staffer during evacuations. Following this, the government detained several allies of Machar, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and senior military leaders.
IGAD condemned the violence and ordered its ceasefire monitoring body, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), to investigate the violent incidents, including an attack on a UN helicopter. Additionally, IGAD intends to send a ministerial delegation to Juba to evaluate stalled peace negotiations and advocate for inclusive dialogue.
The existing 2018 peace deal has encountered numerous challenges, including delayed elections, unmet security reforms, and a lingering mistrust between the two leaders. IGAD acknowledged the appeal for calm post-Nasir violence yet expressed deep concern regarding ceasefire violations, advocating for swift comprehensive reforms, including the unification of armed forces and constitution drafting.
The summit also endorsed regional mediation initiatives, particularly Kenya’s Tumaini Initiative, which aims to engage non-signatory groups towards reconciliation. Observers from Uganda, as well as envoys from the UN and African Union, emphasized the importance of synchronized international support to facilitate peace in South Sudan.
IGAD emphasized that the stability of South Sudan is dependent on the implementation of overdue reforms, stating that dialogue remains the sole method of resolving disputes. While the statement did not outline specific consequences for non-compliance, it does reflect IGAD’s intention for ongoing engagement to prevent a resurgence of conflict.
In reaction to IGAD’s statements, South Sudanese observer Edmund Yakani conveyed an optimistic view of the summit’s outcomes, encouraging swift action from the country’s leadership to address the stalled peace commitments. Yakani noted that the summit could revitalize the peace process if both Kiir and Machar fulfill their constitutional obligations and peace agreement responsibilities. He highlighted a significant trust deficit within the unity government as a crucial barrier hindering the completion of vital reforms and tasks under the peace deal, allowing elements that oppose peace to disrupt stability efforts.
In conclusion, IGAD emphasizes the urgent need for the release of detained officials linked to Riek Machar to prevent further destabilization of South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement. The recent violence underscores the importance of adherence to the 2018 peace deal and the necessity for immediate reforms. With regional and international support, there exists a critical opportunity for advancing peace through dialogue and cooperation among leadership.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
