The Government of the Republic of South Sudan (GRSS) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM/A) in opposition, today signed Agreements on Cessation of Hostilities and Question of Detainees in Addis Ababa.
Chairperson of IGAD Special Envoys Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin stated that the signing of the agreements marks an important milestone in the IGAD-led mediation process that began on 2 January in Addis Ababa, in pursuit of a peaceful political solution to the crisis that has gripped the Republic of South Sudan.
He said since its breakout in mid-December 2013, the crisis has caused a grave humanitarian crisis, claiming the lives of thousands of South Sudanese and displacing hundreds of thousands not to mention the destruction of property at alarming proportions.
In terms of follow up steps, Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin stated that the mediation process will adjourn from 24 January to 4 February 2014 to allow time for the setting up of various mechanisms such as a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) and a Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM), which are provided for in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Further consultations among IGAD Envoys and shuttle diplomacy are also planned to take place before the commencement of the next phase of peace talks.
The IGAD Executive Secretary, Ambassador Mahboub Maalim for his part commended the two parties on the signing of the Agreements on Cessation of Hostilities and Question of Detainees and expressed IGAD’s gratitude to the Special Envoys, Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin of Ethiopia, Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo of Kenya and Gen. Mohammed Ahmed Moustafa El Dabi of the Sudan for their relentless efforts to bring an end to the crisis.
Ambassador Maalim also expressed IGAD’s appreciation to Member States and development partners who have supported the mediation process, particularly the European Union and the Governments of Norway, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA) that provided generous support. He said IGAD counts on their continued support to the mediation process and the achievement of lasting peace in South Sudan.
(IGAD press release issued on 23 January 2014 in Addis Ababa)
Photo: Negotiators and mediators in Addis Ababa on 6 January 2014 (AFP/Carl de Souza)
See below a copy of the official texts: Agreement of Cessation of Hostilities & Agreement on the Status of Detainees