Updated at 1:10am, Nov 9, 2014(PST)
Nov 8, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — The South Sudanese multi-stake holders, once again, gather at Ellilly Hotel, Addis Ababa, to witness the signing of the matrix of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
The latest recommitment, just signed at 10Am at Elilly Hotel by the warring parties, followed the breakthrough reached on 7th November, by the main principals on the two sides of the conflict, Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
President Salva Kiir, following the closed-doors agreement with Dr. Riek Machar, ordered the loyal forces, allied rebels and foreign troops to cease hostilities and remain at the barracks, unless responding in self-defense.
“I call upon the SPLA forces, the national army of South Sudan and other regular forces to remain in their barracks as from this hour, except on self defense if attacks by the enemy” Salva Kiir said.
President Salva Kiir made the statement at 12 midnight, November 8th, at Sharton Hotel, Addis Ababa, after the warring counterparts reached a breakthrough to peaceful settlement of the armed conflict that has displaced over 1.8 million people and left tens of thousands dead.
On the other hand, Dr. Riek Machar Teny has pledged that “we do not want any soldier or any civilian to die again after this progress in Addis Ababa” and requested a 15 days adjournment before signing of the power sharing arrangement to consult leaders and military generals under his leadership.
The regional bloc, IGAD, has allowed the 15 days consultation but warns that any party to the conflict that will violate this progress will be sanctioned, and isolated by the region and the international community.
Both the governance committee and phase VIII of peace talks have been adjourned to resume on the 25th November, 2014.
The breakthrough between the main principals, on 8th November, inspired the multi-stake holders to reach consensus on the outstanding issues on the Matrix of Cessation of Hostilities (mCOH) Agreement.
The lead negotiators, Gen. Taban Deng Gai and his counterpart, Nhial Deng Nhial, finalized the mCOH at Ellily Hotel, on 8th November, however, the final signing was adjourned to 9th Nov at 10:00Am at the same venue.
Other committees have set their schedules to finalize various components of the peace process.
Security and resources, economic and finances committees are expected to resume on 17th November, 2014.
Meanwhile, the Envoys will conduct diplomacy between Juba and Pagaak to enhance wider consultations with the principals and stake-holders on the remaining contentious issues.
The regional bloc’s Security team for Monitoring and Verification Mechanism shall start training within the coming two days to prepare for the operationalization to implement the matrix of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
South Sudan Warring Factions Reach an Agreement
