IGAD Chairperson calls for restraint as tensions intensify in S Sudan

Addis Ababa, July 11, 2016 (FBC) – Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Hailemariam Desalegn called for restraint as the recent tensions intensify in South Sudan.
Following reports on clashes in Juba and other parts of the country, as the chairperson of IGAD, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia underscored that both the government and the opposition are duty bound to exercise restraint and avoid measures that are likely to escalate the situation.

IGAD believes that the escalation of the current crisis will likely result in unmitigated violence of colossal proportions against civilians, which is not only a disservice to the peoples of South Sudan, but also a deliberate effort to undermine the resolve of the regional countries, IGAD and the international community.

In the light of the developments unfolding in Juba and other parts of the country, there appears a tendency on the parts of some ‘unruly elements’ to backtrack on the commitments to peace, said the statement.

If indications are any guide, the situation is likely to spiral out of control thus exposing millions of civilians to a senseless violence and the whole country to an interminable chaos unless the leaders of the country are ready to rise up to the challenge sooner than later.

While encouraged by the two leaders’ call for calm, efforts need to be redoubled to help restore peace and stability in the country.

Announcing that IGAD’s Executive Council will soon convene to take stock of the situation on the ground and to deliberate on next courses of action, in the meantime the Chairperson call the parties to refrain from violence.