December 26, 2022 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti) The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Dr Workneh Gebeyehu is extremely concerned with the recent violence and fighting in the Upper Nile and Jonglei states of South Sudan that reportedly led to the displacement of an estimated 50,000 people and death and destruction and appeals for an immediate de-escalation and an end to violence saying it possess serious danger to peace, stability and humanitarian situation of South Sudan.
The Executive Secretary further called upon the South Sudanese leadership and the Interim-Government of President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar and other signatory parties to the Revitalised – Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to collectively voice their concern as a matter of urgency and appeal for calm and silence the guns and provide an immediate platform for dialogue to resolve any grievances that may have led to the violence.
Dr Workneh appealed to the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government to use their leverage to ensure that no entity or individual undermines the peace and stability of South Sudan. In this regard, the Executive Secretary thanked President William Ruto of Kenya speaking with his South Sudanese counterpart to express his concerns and for offering the airlifting of food aid and medical supplies from Kenya to affected areas.
The Executive Secretary appeals to humanitarian agencies to scale-up their intervention to reach displaced populations and all those who are in need of food aid and humanitarian assistance.
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PRESS RELEASE – South Sudan- IGAD Calls for De-Escalation of Tension and Violence in Upper Nile
