The summit is called by the Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh, who is also the Chairperson of IGAD, even as other bodies, including peace monitor, RJMEC, urge for calm
By Binia Elizabeth
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is set to hold the 43rd Extraordinary Summit on South Sudan to address the evolving situation in the country.
The IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government will be held virtually on Wednesday.
The summit is called by the Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh, who is also the Chairperson of IGAD.
This comes following the growing concerns from the international community and regional leaders about the alarming situation in the country as a result of the recent confrontation in Nasir and Ulang counties of Upper Nile State.
The UN rights commission had warned of potential full-scale war if the leaders to the 2018 peace agreement do not address the negative aspects of the situation.
On Friday, a UN helicopter was targeted in Nasir, Upper Nile State while attempting to evacuate soldiers, leaving at least 27 people dead including the SSPDF Gen. Majur Dak.
The UN has condemned the incident, and described it as a possible war crime, with the 2018 peace agreement now potentially threatened.
The clashes between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO allied militias, the white army in the Upper Nile State, have threatened the power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
In a statement issued on Saturday, RJMEC urged the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions. “We appeal to the Presidency to take all necessary actions to prevent further violence.”
RJMEC further warned that such acts of violence could erode trust in the peace process and damage South Sudan’s standing in the international community.
In response, RJMEC called on the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to conduct a verification mission in Nasir County.
The peace monitors stressed on the need for a comprehensive report with recommendations to prevent future violations of the permanent ceasefire.
It also urged the Joint Defence Board (JDB) to exercise full control over all organized forces to prevent further clashes.
“The commission emphasizes on the importance of the National Transitional Committee (NTC) in expediting the unification and deployment of forces across the country to ensure lasting peace.”
The international and regional actors have also expressed concerns over the attack.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) described the incident as a “grave violation of international law” and called for accountability.
Meanwhile, the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have also urged South Sudan’s leadership to ensure the safety of humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.
The attack in Nasir highlights the urgent need for all parties to commit to the peace process and avoid actions that could plunge the country back into conflict.
RJMEC reiterated its call for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions.
“We must not allow setbacks to derail the hard-earned progress South Sudan has made,” the commission stated.
“The people of this country deserve peace, and it is the responsibility of all leaders to protect that peace.”