Saturday, September 20, 2014

IGAD mediators condemn the renewed fighting in Upper Nile State of South Sudan

20 September 2014, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: The IGAD Special Envoys to the South Sudan Negotiations condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing fighting between the two warring  parties taking place in Renk County and in the area south of Malakal town in Upper Nile State.

This is happening after the signing of the Implementation Matrix of the Cessation of Hostilities (COH) Agreement on 25 August 2014. The Special Envoys regret this unfortunate turn of events and call upon both parties to immediately stop the senseless fighting. Theyfurther described it as an unnecessary and destructive action aimed to derail the Sixth Session in the Second Phase of the peace talks.

Amb. Seyoum Mesfin, the Chairperson of the IGAD Mediation Process appealed to both parties to stay calm and exercise restrain, as the IGAD Monitoring and Verification Teams investigate the ongoing fighting before issuing a comprehensive report to expose the real perpetrators and violators of the COH.

“It is unfortunate that this trend of events has been observed every time a new session of talks begins and any such sideshows aimed at derailing the peace process will not be tolerated,” said Amb. Seyoum, recalling similar acts that have been made in the past.

He further urged the parties to refrain from any actions that could upset the ongoing peace talks and instead give peace a chance at the negotiating table, reminding the parties to adhere to all the agreements that have been signed, particularly the COH.


IGAD Press Release

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