IGAD urges restraint, dialogue amid tension in Nasir County
March 5, 2025 (DJIBOUTI) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is deeply concerned over the escalating tensions and armed clashes in Nasir County, South Sudan.
The escalation of tension in Nasir came after the government announced plans to replace long-standing troops with new forces, while the community wanted a unified force deployed in the area.
The regional bloc, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said these pose a risk to the hard-won gains made in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and threaten peace in the country.
The IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyeh called upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, reaffirm their commitment to the R-ARCSS, and prioritize dialogue and reconciliation as the only sustainable path to peace.
“The Executive Secretary urges the Government of South Sudan, local authorities, and all stakeholders to redouble efforts toward de-escalation and reconciliation, ensuring the protection of civilians and the stability of the region,” partly reads IGAD’s statement.
The regional bloc said it would, in response to the situation, dispatch a high-level delegation to assess the situation on the ground and engage with the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) on measures to restore calm and advance the peace process.
It, however, reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting its full implementation and remains engaged with regional and international partners in advancing peace and security in South Sudan.
South Sudan seeks to form one national army as part of the September 2018 peace agreement.
(ST)