Feb 3, 2018(Nyamilepedia) —– We the Network of South Sudanese Civil Society Organizations in Uganda (NOSSCOU), undersigned this document as position of the network members. The network is an umbrella of more than 30 South Sudanese civil society organizations, and working groups based in and operating from Uganda. The network members have met on 1st, Feb, 2018 at Makerere University, Kampala to discuss and give constructive perspectives to the negotiators concerning both the governance and transitional security arrangement on 2nd phase of the IGAD High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) which will take place from Monday 5th Feb. 2018 in Addis Ababa.
Acknowledge the need to revitalize the signed peace agreement and popular by people of South Sudan to own the agreement and lobby to create mechanism to include all armed opposition group.
Recall the resolution of IGAD Head of State and Government to revitalize the South Sudan peace agreement.
Committed to work with other civil society organizations in the region and back home towards achieving peace and stability in South Sudan.
Accept the immediate need to bring an end to the tragic on-going conflict in South Sudan since 15th, December, 2013 which led to collapse of economic, political and social consequences for the ordinary citizens.
Determined to build an inclusive and functional democratic state founded on the principals of rule of law and constitutionalism
Cognizant that the federal system of governance is a popular demand of people of South Sudan, and interim government should adopt it immediately in commencement of interim period.
Firmly committed to work with conflict actors towards ending the culture of using violence and force as means of settling differences and misunderstanding and promote culture of peaceful dialogue.
Profoundly regret the suffering and distressed caused by both government and armed opposition group to the people of South Sudan since 15th, December, 2013.
Cognizant of the critical role played by United Nations Mission in South Sudan in discharging it mandate in protection of civilian, and facilitation of humanitarians assistance to vulnerable populations.
Appreciate the concerted efforts of all IGAD state members, Troika countries and the IGAD lead mediation team of South Sudan peace process.
Call upon the government and armed opposition groups parties to Cessation of Hostilities (CoH) agreement which was signed in 21st, December, 2017, to reaffirm their commitment to its implementation as pre implementation matrix.
Further appreciate the critical support provided by international partner, Troika countries, EU and other institution for their technical and financial support to make HLRF operationalized.
Recognize the need for institutional and structural reform to ensure effective governance in South Sudan during the interim period.
Acknowledge that social strife, disharmony between communities are mass violation of human rights has profound historical root in our society, which pre-date the current conflict.
Urge all different armed group and government of South Sudan who are in negotiating table to thing about ending the suffering of South Sudanese citizens as first priority.
Unreservedly committed to any agreement that will end the suffering of South Sudanese ordinary citizens and ensure non-repetition of what has happen on both 15th, December, 2013 and 8th, July, 2016.
Recommend that IGAD, Troika countries, UN Security Council and the International community:
- Impose a comprehensive arms embargo to reduce the supply of arms in South Sudan.
- Impose targeted sanctions on individuals, politicians and army commanders who are haters of peace.
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