June 27, 2022 (ENTEBBE, Uganda): IGAD Mediation Support Unit (MSU) Conducted a four-day strategic thinking workshop for Sudanese negotiators active in the political spaces and decision-making levels in Entebbe.
The workshop brought together members of the institution/organizations working on peacebuilding in the Republic of Sudan. They are drawn from government institutions, national organizations, CSOs, FBOs, media, the private sector, and women/youth groups.
The first day was graced by the presence of Hon. Siraj Fegessa-Director of Peace and Security Division at IGAD, Lucy Daxbacher-IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda, Dr. Aleu Garang-IGAD Head of Mission to South Sudan, and Delegates from Sudan.
The interventions of IGAD are guided by 5 key pillars among them Economic Integration, Social Development, Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Peace Security Agenda, and Gender Affairs. The IGAD vision is guided both by global and continental policies and the principles enshrined in its institutional strategies as well as the frameworks of its member states.
The first pillar of the PSD strategy is Conflict Prevention, Management, and Resolution (CPMR) whereby Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation is a key components. The Mediation Support Unit (MSU) was established in 2012 to enhance and build the normative capacity of the Region (IGAD and Member States) in Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation. Guided by the Peace and Security Strategy 2016-2020 and in order to further enhance the Regional capacity in Mediation and Preventive diplomacy. Within its mandate of contributing to peacebuilding in the region, MSU aims at Enhancing its understanding of peace negotiation and mediation processes. In his closing remarks, the IGAD-MSU director and head of mission to South Sudan Dr. Aleu Garang appreciated the delegates from the Sudan government for their undoubtful commitment to this training saying it came at a very conducive time where it’s needed “Mediation and Negotiation are the core principles of MSU the mediation Support Unit that is based in Juba under the IGAD umbrella” he said.
Looking at the previously signed Juba agreement, the participants wished this training came before the signing perhaps it would have been different. They displayed such commitment through active participation, Q&As, and group discussion. Sudan Ambassador to South Sudan Gamal M.A.Goraish and a representative of the Sudan participants commended their tireless efforts and consistency during the course of the training. With appreciation to the IGAD team and facilitators, Ambassador Goraish said “we are working indirectly to support peace in the world”.
The Training was organized by the IGAD Mediation Support Unit (MSU) with financial support from the European Union through the EUTF managed by the Austrian Development Agency (Implementing Partner) under the IPPSHAR Programme.
