Juba, South Sudan
July 9,2021 — The IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, on behalf of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, wishes the people of South Sudan a happy 10th Independence anniversary.
Dr. Gebeyehu commend President Kiir, the revitalized transitional government and the people of South Sudan for the achievement of independence on this occasion.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, Gebeyehu also calls on people of South Sudan not only to rekindle their pledges and dedication to charting a way to democratic and an inclusive state but also to work hand in hand in peaceful coexistence.
“The IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu wishes to congratulate H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Government and people of the Republic of South Sudan on the 10th Year Independence Anniversary of South Sudan”, statement reads.
“On this special day, the Special Envoy calls upon all South Sudanese not only to renew their vows and commitment in building a peaceful, democratic, all-inclusive and united South Sudan, but also to walk the talk together in harmony.” Dr. Gebeyehu added.
IGAD acknowledged the little achievement made so far in the implementation matrix of the Revitalized peace agreement especially the observations of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities by both warring parties and the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R_TGoNU).
“IGAD applauds the encouraging progress made so far in the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, in particular, the continued holding of the Permanent Ceasefire and the formation of the Executive and Legislative arms of the Government both at the National and State levels”, IGAD Executive Secretary added.
“This is a clear indication that South Sudanese mean serious business and have come a long way in their peace and nation building endeavors. In this regard, IGAD greatly appreciates the commitment demonstrated by all the Parties and Stakeholders, and the resilience of the people of South Sudan”, he emphasized.
IGAD has been a guarantor on many South Sudanese initiatives since 1995; however, the regional bloc has had very little success on guaranteeing a successful implementation of the deals.
A previous peace agreement, prior to the current one, was abrogated within less than 5 months on July 8th, 2016 when the bodyguards of president Kiir and Machar clashed and killed another in hundreds.
Unlike 2016, the parties to the revitalized peace agreements continue to observe cessation of hostilities with sporadic fighting mainly between the government and hold-out armed oppositions.
