Will Kiir-AU talks relieve peace implementation challenges?
A search for peace in South Sudan is not yet over as multiple attempts have been made to end the continued tensions and return to the peace agreement implementation.
By Opio Jackson
A high-level delegation of the African Union-IGAD, led by the commission chair, Mahmound Ali Youssouf, on Monday met with President Salva Kiir in Juba to discuss the challenges facing the implementation of the peace agreement.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment as the country faces critical challenges as it advances through its transitional period under the revitalized agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
While in Juba, the chairperson held high-level consultations with President Kiir and other senior government officials on four major concerns, which include preserving the hard-won gains of the peace agreement.
Fostering an inclusive national dialogue and consensus, supporting the timely, credible, and transparent implementation of the transitional roadmap, and strengthening governance institutions.
In a joint communique, the AUC and IGAD emphasized that peace, stability, and inclusive governance are an indispensable foundation for South Sudan’s sustainable development and regional integration.
They further underlined the need for mutual trust, national cohesion, and respect for political and civil space
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Youssouf, was in the country for a two-day visit to diffuse the continued political tension in South Sudan that began on March 7, following the deadly clashes in Nasir County of Upper Nile State.
The visit by the AU-IGAD delegation is a high-level attempt by the regional leaders to prevent the country from descending into a total war.
Amid growing fears of a peace deal collapse in Juba following the house arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, regional leaders appointed Raila Odinga as an envoy, while the African Union deploys its ‘Panel of the Wise’ to de-escalate tensions and prevent a return to civil war.
On March 28, Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga landed in Juba to diffuse the tension.
Odinga met with President Salva Kiir, but claimed that he was not allowed to meet Dr. Riek Machar, who was placed under house arrest. However, the mission of Raila turned out to be unsuccessful.
Just in April 2, the African Union dispatched an elite team dubbed the Panel of the Wise to Juba to engage leaders in dialogue to diffuse and de-escalate tension in the country.
While in Juba, the elite team met with President Kiir and various groups, including peace partners, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups.
However, nothing has been heard since the Panel of the Wise left the country, and there have been continued pockets of tension and violence in some parts of the country, including the recent airstrikes in Old Fangak of Jonglei State that killed seven people.
Also, the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, has remained under house arrest as the government vowed to arraign him in court for instigating conflict in Upper Nile State if proven guilty.
Meanwhile, in its recent visit to Juba, the African Union-IGAD delegation has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the implementation of the peace agreement, calling for dialogue and mutual trust among the leaders.
“The African Union and IGAD remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the government and people of South Sudan and regional partners to safeguard, uphold the principle of the R-RACSS and support a future grounded in unity, resilience, and prosperity,” the joint communique read in part.
statement read.
