The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened its 43rd Extraordinary Summit to address the worsening political and security crisis in South Sudan. In his report to regional leaders, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu underscored the urgent need for de-escalation and a renewed commitment to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The summit, chaired by Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, brought together prominent regional leaders, including Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Kenya’s President William Ruto, and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud. These leaders have been actively engaging with South Sudanese authorities to defuse tensions, particularly after recent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
South Sudan is once again at a critical juncture, with rising violence threatening the fragile peace process. The latest crisis erupted in early March, following violent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, which resulted in numerous casualties, including the death of a high-ranking SSPDF commander.
This incident, compounded by the detention of opposition figures and increasing political tensions in Juba, has raised serious concerns about the country’s stability.
Gebeyehu highlighted the escalating security risks, citing a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) operation on March 7 to evacuate stranded SSPDF personnel in Nasir, which led to additional casualties, including the death of a UN crew member. The United Nations condemned the attack and called for an independent investigation, with IGAD supporting the call for accountability.
IGAD leaders called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and adhere to the permanent ceasefire, strengthening the IGAD Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to ensure compliance.
The regional heads of state also agreed to facilitate urgent talks between South Sudan’s leaders to restore trust and publicly reaffirm their commitment to peace.
IGAD further urged the South Sudanese government to release detained opposition figures unless legal proceedings are justified and conducted transparently.
Gebeyehu emphasized that while IGAD remains committed to supporting the peace process, the ultimate responsibility for the country’s stability lies with South Sudan’s leadership.
“South Sudan is at a crossroads, balancing precariously between the promise of peace and the threat of renewed conflict. The 2018 peace agreement remains the most viable instrument for securing long-term stability,” he stated.
 convened its 43rd Extraordinary Summit to address the worsening political and security crisis in South Sudan.){kind=link}