IGAD demands the immediate release of officials aligned with Riek Machar as their detention threatens South Sudan’s fragile peace. Amid rising tensions from recent clashes, IGAD calls for transparent legal proceedings and urges peace dialogue and reforms to avoid a return to conflict, while emphasizing the need for trust among leadership for progress.
On Wednesday, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) urgently called for the immediate release of officials allied with Riek Machar, the First Vice President of South Sudan. The bloc warned that their detention may jeopardize the fragile peace agreement in light of escalating tensions arising from recent violent clashes in Upper Nile State.
Following an emergency virtual summit chaired by Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, IGAD emphasized that the South Sudanese government must release the detainees unless credible evidence supports their legal proceedings in a transparent manner. Although the communiqué did not specify the arrested individuals, it highlighted that arrests have severely disrupted the security mechanisms established under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), which concluded a five-year civil conflict between the factions of Kiir and Machar.
The urgency of IGAD’s stance follows violent confrontations on March 7-8 in Nasir County, which resulted in the deaths of both a South Sudanese army general, Gen Majur Duk, and a United Nations staff member during evacuation efforts. In response, multiple allies of Machar were detained, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several senior military officials. IGAD condemned the violence and directed the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to investigate the skirmishes and a subsequent attack on a UN helicopter.
IGAD announced plans to send a ministerial delegation to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to review stalled peace talks and advocate for inclusive dialogue. The bloc’s statement reflected persistent challenges facing the 2018 peace agreement, including delays in elections, unfulfilled security reforms, and ongoing distrust between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar.
Despite issuing a commendation for their joint appeals for calm following the Nasir incidents, IGAD expressed profound concern regarding violations of the ceasefire and urged a swifter integration of armed forces, along with the drafting of a permanent constitution. The regional bloc supported mediation efforts such as Kenya’s Tumaini Initiative, which seeks to engage groups that have yet to sign the peace agreement and encouraged religious and civil society leaders to participate in reconciliation efforts.
Observers from Uganda attended the summit, while representatives from the UN and African Union highlighted the need for coherent international support. IGAD reiterated that the stability of South Sudan relies on the implementation of overdue reforms, stressing that dialogue remains the sole means of resolving ongoing disputes.
Though IGAD did not outline specific repercussions for failing to comply, it indicated that continued high-level engagement would be pursued to prevent a resurgence of conflict. Following the IGAD’s statement, South Sudanese observer Edmund Yakani characterized the summit’s outcomes as encouraging but urged the country’s leaders to swiftly act on unfulfilled peace commitments. Yakani asserted that the summit could revitalize the peace process if President Kiir and Vice President Machar adhere to their constitutional obligations and the principles of the 2018 peace agreement. He underscored a severe trust deficit among the leadership as the principal barrier to achieving essential reforms and transitional tasks, allowing “peace spoilers” to obstruct efforts towards stability.
The IGAD’s recent call for the release of detained Machar allies underscores the fragile state of peace in South Sudan following violent clashes. The organization has highlighted the dangers posed by these detentions and the ongoing violations of the 2018 peace agreement. Rapid implementation of peace commitments, integration of armed forces, and fostering inclusive dialogue are emphasized as critical steps necessary for stability in the region. Moving forward, it is imperative for South Sudanese leaders to restore trust and unity within the government to facilitate the peace process effectively.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
