South Sudan’s Kiir urges expansion of IGAD initiative on Sudan
July 15, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Saturday called for the expansion of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-led initiative on resolving the conflict in Sudan.
Kiir emphasized the need for collective efforts from multiple countries and organizations to end the ongoing fighting in Sudan. He highlighted the devastating consequences of the conflict, stating that it is claiming lives and destroying Sudan as a whole.
During a meeting with a group of Dinka elders after his return to Juba from a summit for Sudan’s neighbouring countries, Kiir revealed that he called for a process that includes leaders from neighbouring countries with Sudan.
He emphasized the importance of coordination and collaboration among these nations to support and enhance the IGAD initiative.
The summit hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi aimed to address the deepening conflict in Sudan.
Leaders from Ethiopia, Chad, Eritrea, the Central African Republic, Libya, and South Sudan participated in the meeting. Egypt’s role in convening the summit was crucial due to its close alliance with the Sudanese military.
The African Union and the international community agreed to task the IGAD with theresolutioon of the Sudanese conflict. But, Sudan’s neigbours mainly Egypt, Chad consider they have to be associated to this process due to their close relations with Sudan.
Egypt and Chad are members of the expanded meeting with the regional and international organisations and plead for a similar process to end the conflict starting with stoping the war and ending by a political agreement to restore a civilian transtional government.
Sudan’s rejection of the Kenyan chairmanship of the IGAD mediation group has also impeded the process. Khartoum says that Kenyan President William Ruto has alleged business ties with the RSF commander.
Diplomats from the region say Kenya and Djbouti are not affected by the conflict. hey add that Ethiopia, which was not part of the initial mediation panel, is not neutral too due to its dispute with the Sudanese army over the border strip and because Hemetti has some investments in Ethiopia.
(ST)