Between March 26th and March 29th, 2024, H.E. Dr. Workneh Workneh, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), embarked on a significant diplomatic journey to South Sudan, aiming to foster cooperation and spur development within the region.
On Wednesday, March 27th, 2024, Dr. Workneh arrived at Juba International Airport, initiating his two-day official visit to South Sudan. He was warmly received by Mohammed Abdallah, the deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan, marking the beginning of his diplomatic engagement.
Dr. Workneh commenced a series of high-level meetings in Juba, in line with IGAD’s facilitative role towards implementing the Revitalised Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). His first meeting involved discussions with Major General (Retired) Charles Tai Gituai, the chair of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), and Major General Hailu Gonfa, the chair of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM). Deliberations focused on assessing the progress and challenges encountered in implementing the peace agreement signed in Addis Ababa in 2018.
Expressing IGAD’s commitment to the peace process, Dr. Workneh reiterated the organization’s steadfast support towards achieving lasting peace in South Sudan. Subsequent engagements included meetings with the High-Level Standing Committee, led by the Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro Lomuro, and other key stakeholders involved in the peace process.
Throughout his visit, Dr. Workneh emphasized the importance of collaboration and determination in achieving sustainable peace in South Sudan. He underscored IGAD’s readiness to continue supporting the government and the people of South Sudan in their journey towards peace, security, and prosperity.
Dr. Workneh’s diplomatic mission also included meetings with leaders and representatives of the Trilateral Mechanism, the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and IGAD, further enhancing regional cooperation and coordination efforts.
The visit culminated in a series of engagements on Thursday, March 28th, 2024, including meetings with key figures such as Vice President Mama Rebecca Nyandeng and President Salva Kiir Mayardit. Discussions delved into various aspects of regional cooperation and development, reinforcing the commitment towards peace and prosperity in South Sudan.
The mission concluded on Friday, March 29th, 2024, with a final meeting at the AU Mission, where Dr. Workneh engaged with African Union representatives and members of the C5. As Dr. Workneh and his delegation bid farewell, their departure from Juba International Airport marked the end of a successful and impactful diplomatic mission, strengthening regional ties and advancing peace efforts in South Sudan.
