By Lodu William Odiya
As South Sudan marks 14th Independence Anniversary, the United Nations has called on the country’s political leaders to resolve their differences, work towards peace and development.
UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative to South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, delivered the message on Tuesday, in a press statement.
Anita called for collective action to reduce political tensions among parties to the 2018 peace agreement. This followed tension between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government (SPLM-IG) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in some part of the country.
Several armed confrontations occurred some parts of the country between the two forces, after house arrest in Juba, of Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the Chairman of the Sudan People Liberation Movement in Opposition.
Anita emphasised the need for parties to the2018 Peace Agreement, to dialogue in order to settle political differences.
“Now, more than ever, collective action is needed to reduce tensions, resolve political differences, and make tangible progress in implementing peace,” she said.
She reiterated the United Nations ongoing support to the country and its people as it approaches its fourteen-year independence anniversary.
“This year’s Independence Day offers South Sudan’s leaders a renewed opportunity to prioritize the rights, dignity, and safety of every citizen by returning to consensus-based decision-making amid significant challenges,” she said.
The statement also highlighted the critical juncture, finding common and constructive solutions to issues that affect all South Sudanese is essential for a peaceful democratic transition.
She urged all citizens, political and security actors, youth, women, traditional leaders, the disabled, civil society, and communities alike to unite in the spirit of compromise and redouble efforts towards stability and security.
The statement underlined the UN as South Sudan’s steadfast partner as it strives to deliver lasting peace and prosperity for its people.
Last week, peace monitoring body raised concerns over deepening divisions within South Sudan’s main opposition party, urging it to resolve internal disputes through party structures to ensure its active participation in implementing the 2018 peace agreement.
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) called for urgent reconciliation within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by First Vice President Riek Machar.
During a meeting Monday with the reconstituted committee, RJMEC interim chairperson Maj. Gen. George Aggrey Owinow (Rtd) called for inclusive implementation of the 2018 peace deal and reaffirmed RJMEC’s commitment to continued engagement with all parties and stakeholders.