IGAD summit has been delayed for better preparations: official

November 16, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan government announced on Monday that the meeting of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) leaders was rescheduled due to the need for better arrangements.

Initially the heads of state and government had to meet on Sunday 14 November but the meeting was postponed to 19 November before to announce that the summit will take place on Thursday 26 November.

“There are some logistical issues that needed to be set for the summit,” said foreign ministry spokesperson, Mawien Makol Ariik, when contacted for a comment by Sudan Tribune on Monday.

“The parliament is reopening this week and these are some of things that needed to be done first,” he added.

The National parliament is due to reopen after a month of recess next Wednesday.

On Sunday, information minister Makuei Lueth said that the meeting of IGAD heads of states and governments was delayed from to Monday 23 November.

Also, it was reported that the first delay was decided by the east African bloc to give more time to the former president of Botswana, Festus Gontebanye Mogae to settle the outstanding issues between the signatories of the peace agreement.

Last week, the first vice-president designate Riek Machar declined to take part in the gathering, saying suitable atmosphere was not yet created by Juba, alluding to Juba refusal to receive his advance team and the presidential decision to divide the country in 28 states.

(ST)