The joint statement released on 23rd January 2015, commended the Intergovernmental Authority on
Development (IGAD) and the IGAD Special
Envoys for their steadfast commitment to the peace process, and welcome the
strong message from People’s Republic of China Foreign Minister Wang Yi calling
on the parties to make peace. “We recall IGAD’s determination, as
articulated in its summit communiqué of January 31, 2014, to inclusive
negotiations toward an agreement that addresses necessary reforms to the
security sector and economic governance creates institutions for justice and
accountability, catalyzes a revived permanent constitutional process, and forms
a transitional government leading to credible elections” the statement read.
It said IGAD has made every effort to realize these goals
despite obstruction from both the government of South Sudan and the Sudan
People’s Liberation Movement – In Opposition (SPLM-IO). “We are deeply
disappointed in the continued unwillingness of either party to make the
compromises needed to achieve a viable peace agreement” the statement added.
Over the past two months, statements by both parties have
suggested they have distanced themselves from previous commitments, and
violations of the cessation of hostilities agreement have continued. “We
call on both parties to recommit to negotiate with a spirit of urgency and
compromise, refrain from all further military action immediately and form a
Transitional Government of National Unity” the statement continued.
The Troika looks forward to guidance from the African Union
Peace and Security Council, convened on the margins of the African Union Summit
in January, on how the report of the AU Commission of Inquiry will be used to
support the peace process and inform the development of mechanisms for
accountability and reconciliation in South Sudan.
The members of Troika also reiterated determination to
address the grave humanitarian situation in South Sudan. “Today, over a
year after the beginning of the conflict, nearly 2 million South Sudanese have
been displaced, over 100,000 are under the direct protection of the UN Mission
in South Sudan, and the country remains at risk of a food security crisis” the
statement said. The Troika along with other international donors, pledged
to continue to stand with the people of South Sudan who are needlessly
suffering as a result of the conflict.
“We recognize the recent agreement in Arusha, Tanzania to
reconcile the SPLM and encourage the parties to use the upcoming IGAD summit of
29 January to secure peace for the people of South Sudan. In the face of
this deplorable humanitarian crisis, there can be no excuse for further delay
in negotiations or for continued violence” the statement ended.
