IGAD urges South Sudan to probe into Nasir violence

JUBA — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which mediated the 2018 revitalized peace agreement on Wednesday, called for swift investigations into the deadly violence in Upper Nile State and the attack on the UN helicopter that led to the death of its personnel and dozens of soldiers.

The clashes erupted in mid-February between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and armed civilian groups in the country’s Nasir County.

Tensions escalated after the government announced plans to deploy new forces to Nasir County to rotate troops stationed in the area for several years.

The SSPDF commander, Major General Majur Dak, and 30 of his soldiers were killed during a United Nations evacuation operation in Nasir.

Kiir’s administration detained SPLA-IO acting Chief of Staff, General Gabriel Duop Lam, and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, alongside several senior military officials allied with Machar.

In a statement issued after the 43rd Extraordinary IGAD Heads of State and Government virtual summit on Wednesday, the body called for an independent investigation, led by CTSAMVM, into the Nasir clashes and the recent attack on a UN helicopter.

It said it is through investigation that a fact could be established to ensure accountability for any violations.

“Fifth, an independent investigation into the Nasir clashes and the attack on the UN helicopter should be undertaken by CTSAMVM to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability for any violations,” it said.

The regional bloc also urged all parties to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement to unconditionally cease hostilities and fully uphold the permanent ceasefire.

It called for an urgent dialogue between the leaders of South Sudan, facilitated by a head of state from within the IGAD region, to address tension between the parties.

It said this is essential to rebuild mutual trust and lead to a joint public declaration reaffirming their commitment to peace.

“Third, the government of South Sudan is urged to forthwith release detained officials, unless credible evidence warrants legal proceedings conducted transparently and in accordance with due process, lift any undue restrictions, and restore standard security arrangements.”

The body also urged the South Sudanese government to release detained officials unless credible evidence justifies legal proceedings, which should be conducted transparently and in accordance with due process.

“Our fourth recommendation is that in order to stabilize the security and political landscape, the Secretariat advises that the Joint Defense Board be promptly reconvened to address contentious deployments, such as those in Nasir, and oversee the safe withdrawal of forces, in coordination with UNMISS.”