By Deng Ghai Deng
Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD), has welcomed the 24-month extension of the Transitional Period.
The extension moves the deadline from February 2025 to February 2027, while the elections originally slated for December 2024 have been postponed to December 2026.
IGAD is now calling for renewed efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the peace agreement during this extended period.
In a press statement, Dr. Gebeyehu commended the consensual decision-making process, urging all parties involved to maintain this spirit of dialogue and consensus-building.
He emphasized the importance of governance, particularly in decision-making and conflict resolution.
“The Executive Secretary welcomes the consensual manner in which the decision has been passed and urges the Parties and the R-TGoNU to embrace and cultivate this spirit of dialogue, consultation, and consensus building,” said Dr. Gebeyehu.
“It is incumbent upon the Parties that implementation is done in earnest and with a sense of urgency.”
Dr. Gebeyehu also called on the parties to allocate adequate funding to complete the outstanding tasks within the extended period to ensure timely elections.
He stressed the need for a concrete plan of action and a feasible funding strategy to achieve the goals set out in the R-ARCSS.
IGAD, as the guarantor of the R-ARCSS, will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the agreement and support the democratic aspirations of the peace partners and the people of South Sudan.