IGAD urges South Sudan rivals to exercise maximum restraint
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
July 10, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – As heavy fighting between government and opposition forces continues in South Sudan capital, Juba, the regional bloc, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Sunday urged the two rivals to exercise maximum restraint.
The Ethiopian primer called on both sides to back peace options otherwise he warned that the country could slide back to civil war subjecting the young nation into an indefinite crises.
He said the recent violence undermines the peace process brokered by IGAD and backed by the international community.
According to the chairman, IGAD will soon call an emergency meeting to consult over the developments and there by to decide what measures should be taken on this regard.
The latest fighting comes after a series of violence including the attacks last month in Wau and Raja towns where scores were killed and thousands forced to flee for their life.
Tensions further escalated on 7 July when forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those bodyguards of first vice president, Riek Machar clashed in Juba few fays after a military officer was shot dead in the capital.
On Friday the African Union expressed grave concern over the rising violence and urged the two men to keep their forces under control.
The chairperson of the commission of the Africa Union, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma condemned what she described was a senseless act which led to loss of so many lives.
She urged the transitional government of National Unity (TGoNU) to undertake an immediate investigation and to bring all those responsible to court.
The AU chairperson underscored that the TGoNU has the responsibility to provide the necessary political leadership to ensure that the security forces operate within the limits of the law and order.
She stressed that the fresh fighting between the rival forces is an imminent danger to TGoNU and called on Kiir and Machar to do more to calm the situation.
She further requested the TGoNU working with the joint monitoring and evaluation Commission (JMEC) to ensure scrupulous adherence to the transitional security arrangement.
It has been nearly one year since the warring parties signed peace agreement to end a two and half year long conflict which erupted in mid-December after President Kiir accused his former deputy,Machar, of staging a coup.
Despite the peace deal the two rivals still have to implement key elements of the agreement.
The latest fighting is feared to derail the already fragile peace accord.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune, South Sudanese residing here in Addis Ababa including peace ambassador, Gatwech Koak Nyuon, deplored the horrific experience taking place in Juba.
They said fighting will never move the country per the wishes of the people rather will destroy and cause permanent damage on the generation.
The South Sudanese appeal on leaders of warring factions to do what ever it takes to calm the situation.
An estimated 250 soldiers from both sides have been killed during the latest fighting.
Over 30 civilians are also reported to have lost their lives after caught in the fighting.
(ST)