IGAD urges gov’t to resolve intercommunal violence

JUBA – The regional bloc, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which mediated the revitalized peace agreement, has called on South Sudan government to address the escalating inter-communal violence in most part of the country.

Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, expressed deep concern about escalation in communal violence in the country.

“We are also face with the fact that this country is still bleeding from communal fighting here and there and everywhere. It needs your support,” Ismail said during welcoming ceremony of new chairperson of R-JMEC in Juba on Tuesday.

Ismail said the implementation of 2018 peace deal is facing a lot of challenges.

“We are still facing a lot of challenges; among others are constitution-making process, judicial reform activities, the implementation of Chapter two and preparation for elections and conclusion of transitional period in general,” Ismail said.

He called on South Sudanese to support the revitalized deal in order to lasting peace to prevail in the country.

“I will not leave this without mentioning a word to South Sudanese who are present here today; your contribution to this peace process is part of the history of this country,” he said.

“IGAD as a region cannot be at peace when South Sudan is shedding blood, I kindly appeal to you (South Sudanese) to do more in regards to the implementation of this peace process,” he added.

He called on international community to stand in solidarity with people of South Sudan during this transitional period.

“I would really like to appeal to the international community to stand with people of South Sudan in supporting the peace process. When one of the members of this region is in trouble, the whole region will be also in despair and in trouble,” he said.