February 23rd 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which mediated the revitalized peace agreement, has urged for the resolution of outstanding internal divisions in South Sudan for peace to hold in the youngest African state.
In welcoming the formation of the Reconstituted Transition Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU), the regional bloc said the internal frictions and divisions in some of the parties in the peace process have caused unnecessary distraction in the pre-transitional period and if it persists, will disrupt the implementation of transitional tasks.
“It is high time that these parties now overcome their internal differences and wrangles for the sake of peace. The people of South Sudan deserve to see harmony within the parties. It is not possible for a party that is not in peace within itself to be at peace with others. The parties should turn a new page as South Sudan ushers in the transitional period,” IGAD said in a statement on Saturday.
The call by the regional bloc came hours after former rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar was sworn in as the country’s First Vice President , alongside three other vice presidents on Saturday, the deadline to form the new unity government.
The other three are vice-presidents are James Igga, Taban Deng Gai and Rebecca Garang, the widow of the late Dr. John Garang.
The regional bloc further urged the stakeholders of the peace agreement and the people of South Sudan to play a more proactive role as the peace process should be people-centered and people-driven.
“In this regard, the R-TGoNU (unity government) has the responsibility to ensure that a conducive and favourable environment for free and active participation of civil society is created,” it said in the statement.
“The R-TGoNU and civil society should also work closely for women and the youth to be capacitated and empowered, and particularly that the 35 per cent quota for women stipulated in the R-ARCSS is observed and respected,” the statement added.
