NEW YORK – The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, has commended the strong stance adopted by Heads of States of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Eastern Africa, on the conflict in South Sudan.
In a statement issued on Saturday in New York, the Secretary-General said he felt encouraged by the decision of the parties in the conflict, to cease hostilities immediately, and reach agreement on an inclusive power sharing agreement, within 15 days.
He expressed hope that the parties would live up to their stated commitment to peace, and meaningfully engage in dialogue to reach a comprehensive peace agreement that would address the root causes of the conflict in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held its 28th Extra- Ordinary Summit from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
At the summit, the leaders agreed that parties in the South Sudan conflict must be committed to ending all hostilities and also stop the recruitment and mobilisation of the civilian population.
They also warned that violation of the agreement by any of the parties in conflict would attract stiff penalties from IGAD.
Further, they agreed that should the need arise, the IGAD region shall, without further reference to the warring parties, take necessary measures to directly intervene in South Sudan, to protect lives and restore peace and stability.(NAN)