South Sudan dominates agenda at IGAD 36th Extraordinary Assembly

By Charles Lotara
The 36th Extraordinary Assembly of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) was dominated by deliberations on the South Sudan peace process.
The regional body gave the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity until 26th July 2020 to resolve all pending issues and in particular the establishment of the reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA).
Unavailability of a reconstituted parliament hampered the presentation of national annual budget, which was supposed to happen in the first half of June. This, economic analysts say, could jeopardize the operation of the government at State levels.
As the new government makes stride toward lasting peace IGAD appealed to President Salva Kiir to dissolve the incumbent TNLA and reconstitute it in accordance with the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
In a videoconference chaired Sudan Prime Minister Dr. Abdalla Hamdock, IGAD also urged the government to provide the necessary funding and logistical support to expedite the implementation of the security arrangement, particularly the completion of the training, graduation, and redeployment of the national unified forces.
In the wake of ravaging inter-communal violence, the Kiir administration, which formed a High-Level Committee to resolve the matter, was called upon to provide adequate financial support to the Disarmament and Demobilization Commission (DDRC) to undertake a comprehensive reintegration process.
Meanwhile, the body called upon South Sudan peace partners in the international community to collaborate with IGAD, the AU and the UN to support mechanisms for a South Sudan Reconstruction and Recovery Fund.
South Sudan has been commended for demonstrating commitment to the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, especially after the recent appointment of State Governors.
With only one woman making the slot to the position of governorship, IGAD questioned government’s commitment to the 35% Affirmative Action which guarantees the inclusion of women in the government.
“IGAD appeals to the parties to adhere to the requirement for 35% women representation in appointments of the pending offices including TNLA nominations,” it said in a statement.