By Yiep Joseph
Vice President (VP) of the Republic of South Sudan and chair of the infrastructure cluster, Taban Deng Gai, and the UN head of Mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, discussed peace and security matters on Tuesday.
According to a statement released to the media, the two leaders’ meeting centered on seeking ways to ensure that all parties engage in dialogue.
Considering the recent security situation in Upper Nile state and other parts of the country, the meeting focused on means to de-escalate the violence.
“Today (yesterday), I met with the UN head of Mission in South Sudan, H.E. Nicholas Haysom, to discuss peace and security in the country considering the recent security issues in Upper Nile,” the statement partially read.
“The meeting also discussed the need for dialogue between the two principal parties to the agreement to keep the R-ARCSS alive and guide the country on the path to transition towards democratic elections,” it added.
According to the statement, Mr. Haysom highlighted the commitment of the international community to support South Sudan in maintaining momentum towards the implementation of the remaining provisions of the agreement.
For his part, Taban assured the UN in the country that the government, under the leadership of President Salva Kiir, is interested in fully implementing the R-ARCSS to transition to democratic arrangements and alleviate the burden of a large government.
Current matters at hand include the house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar, the Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), as well as armed confrontations among parties to the 2018 peace agreement.
Last week, the Vice President and Chairperson of the Infrastructure cluster, Taban Deng Gai, reiterated President Salva Kiir’s commitment to implementing the 2018 Peace Agreement.
According to the statement released to the media, VP Gai made the remark while meeting Ethiopia’s Ambassador, Nebil Mahdi, on Friday.
VP Gai’s statement came at a time when the 2018 peace agreement continues to face numerous challenges, including concerns arising from the arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and confrontations between the peace parties.
VP Taban stated that despite several challenges in the 2018 peace agreement, President Salva Kiir remains committed to ensuring that the peace agreement is implemented.
He emphasized that President Kiir and the government at large are dedicated to preventing any violence that may jeopardize the peace agreement.
“The Vice President reaffirmed the commitment of H.E. President Salva Kiir to not returning the country to war,” the statement partially read.
He appealed to the Ethiopian government to support South Sudan in its security arrangements, a crucial part of the 2018 peace agreement.
For his part, Ambassador Nebil Mahdi recalled the historical ties between Ethiopia and South Sudan and their importance.
He promised that the Federal Democratic Republic remains committed to supporting South Sudan in many areas, such as peace and development, among others