IGAD Chief Workneh Gebeyehu Commences Visit to South Sudan
- IGAD’s Workneh Gebeyehu begins two-day visit in Juba.
- The visit focuses on the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict.
- Meetings aimed at evaluating peace progress amid tensions.
- Pressure mounts for Riek Machar’s release to stabilize the country.
- Upcoming elections in December 2026 could be impacted by current issues.
IGAD Chief Visits South Sudan for Key Meetings
Workneh Gebeyehu, the head of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has initiated a crucial two-day visit to Juba, South Sudan. This visit aims to evaluate the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Upon his arrival, Gebeyehu was met by Akuei Bona Malwal, South Sudan’s deputy minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic engagement in the region.
Meetings Focus on Peace Efforts and Conflicts
During his visit, Gebeyehu held a sequence of high-level meetings intended to assess the progress made under the R-ARCSS framework. Among the officials he consulted was Monday Semaya Kumba, the country’s foreign affairs minister, alongside other ministers engaged in the ongoing peace process. He emphasized that it is vital for all parties involved to fully commit to the R-ARCSS, reiterating IGAD’s unwavering support for South Sudan’s government and people during this critical peace journey.
Concerns Over Political Tensions and Peace Process
In a twist, however, it is uncertain whether Gebeyehu will be granted access to the detained First Vice President Riek Machar. Meanwhile, Ter Manyang Gatwech, a prominent civil society activist, has urged IGAD to advocate for Machar’s release. He warned that the current political tensions could severely undermine the already fragile peace process. The backdrop of Gebeyehu’s visit is significant as President Salva Kiir’s administration sidled Machar since their civil war that lasted five years, making this the fourth year since the agreement was signed.
In conclusion, Workneh Gebeyehu’s visit to South Sudan underscores the critical nature of ongoing efforts to stabilize the region amid significant political tensions. The emphasis on the implementation of the R-ARCSS remains vital, with calls for renewed commitment from all parties involved to ensure a peaceful future. As South Sudan approaches its scheduled elections in December 2026, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges that require collaborative efforts from regional authorities and internal stakeholders alike.
