![IGAD South Sudan Office [Photo via igad.int]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EQZ5d-uWsAAirRV.jpg?resize=850%2C319&ssl=1)
A source within the IGAD secretariat told Sudans Post that the crucial meeting will take place on April 18 to discuss issues regarding the implementation of the revitalized peace deal that was signed in 2018, and more importantly the disagreements between the parties to the deal.
“IGAD remains committed to supporting the peace agreement and its implementation in South Sudan,” said a source from the IGAD Secretariat. “The Council of Ministers meeting will provide a platform to assess the progress made regarding the implementation of the agreement and to address challenges facing it.”
A senior opposition official belonging to the main armed opposition SPLM-IO under First Vice President Riek Machar said he anticipates the Council will help address and resolve issues that threaten the progress he said has been made thus far.
“The critical issue for us is finding constructive ways to resolve our differences, which will enhance our ability to deliver on the commitments made under this agreement,” said the source.
In recent months, there has been an increase in hostilities, which are derailing progress made in the implementation process of the peace agreement.
Edmund Yakani, the prominent South Sudan activist and Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) sees the IGAD meeting as an opportunity for different parties to recommit themselves to the peace agreement and, most importantly, to chart a way forward.
“The meeting provides a platform for all parties to express their grievances and to try and find ways of addressing them through dialogue,” Yakani said. “This way, the parties can avoid going back to war, which is the last thing that the people of South Sudan need.”
