The Heads of State and Government from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have reaffirmed that dialogue remains the only path to ending hostilities in South Sudan. In a joint statement following the 43rd Extraordinary Assembly held on Wednesday, the leaders expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence and ceasefire violations in the country.
The summit, chaired by Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged all parties to adhere to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The agreement remains the foundation of the peace process in the war-torn nation.
The Assembly strongly condemned the recent killing of General Majur Duk, the Commander of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Nasir, Upper Nile State, as well as the deaths of other individuals, including a UN crew during an evacuation mission. The IGAD leaders directed the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanisms (CTSAMVM) to investigate these incidents and ensure accountability.
In their resolution, the IGAD leaders emphasized the urgent need for all parties to respect the Permanent Ceasefire and called for the immediate release of detained officials. Additionally, they stressed the importance of prioritizing and expediting the implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements by providing the necessary resources without delay.
The summit also mandated IGAD’s Special Envoy for South Sudan to intensify engagements with all armed groups to secure full compliance with the ceasefire deal. The leaders welcomed grassroots peace dialogues and encouraged religious leaders, traditional elders, and civil society to play a greater role in reconciliation efforts. They also advocated for the inclusion and empowerment of women, youth, and marginalized communities in the peace process.
Among those present at the summit were Somalia’s President Hassan Mohamud, representatives of President William Ruto (Kenya), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister. Other key attendees included IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, UN and African Union officials, and representatives from regional peace monitoring bodies.
As South Sudan continues to grapple with instability, IGAD’s latest call for dialogue underscores the need for a concerted effort to restore peace and ensure long-term stability in the region.
