By Yiep Joseph
Amidst growing concerns over the implementation of South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement, Ambassador Ismail Wais, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Special Envoy for South Sudan is urging leaders never to return the country to war.
Speaking at the launch of a nationwide constitutional awareness campaign, Ambassador Wais, called upon President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to immediately de-escalate rising tensions.
“Do not doom another generation to war. Lead them to peace instead,” he said.
Ambassador Wais stated that South Sudan is at a critical juncture, facing a choice between peace and danger, as well as unity and division.
He urged leaders to prioritize the well-being of the citizens, emphasizing that the world is closely observing their actions.
“The world is watching. History will judge. The choice is yours. Let this moment define your legacy,” he appealed.
“Let future generations say, “When South Sudan stood on the edge of collapse, its leaders chose peace,” he added.
He advised the leaders to silence guns and embrace dialogue.
“The guns must fall silent. The rhetoric of division must end. the only path forward is dialogue, not violence; discussion, not confrontation” he said.
The Ambassador’s remarks came at a time of escalating violence among the parties responsible for safeguarding the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), posing a threat to reverse all previous gains.
Recently the Council of Evangelical Churches of South Sudan urged President Salva Kiir and the First Vice President Riak Machar to engage in direct dialogue as a confidence-building measure to resolve the ongoing violence in South Sudan.
In a press statement, Bishop Paul Deng Joshua calls for an immediate de-escalation of tensions, including the cessation of hostilities and aerial bombardments in the affected areas.
Bishop Paul Deng appeals to the leaders and the stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and the well-being of all South Sudanese.
The Council of Evangelical Churches of South Sudan (CEOFSS) emphasized an impartial investigation into the root causes of the conflicts and take anyone found guilty to court for justice.
“We call for an impartial investigation into the root causes of these conflicts. If anyone is found guilty should be taken to court for justice.”
On behalf of CEOFSS Bishop Paul Deng expressed concerns over foreign troop’s presence in South Sudan, urging the East African Community, IGAD, and the African Union to actively engage in the efforts to de-escalate tensions in South Sudan.
“We also expressed concern about the presence of foreign forces in South Sudan and encourage the resolution of security concerns through diplomatic engagement, ensuring that national sovereignty and stability are upheld.”
Bishop Paul regrets inter-communal violence which remains a pressing concern, including cattle raiding in Warrap, Jonglei States, and Clashes between farmers and herders, in some parts of Equatoria.