IGAD claims ‘breakthrough’ in S Sudan talks

The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) claims that a ‘breakthrough’ was reached today in talks on the outstanding issues at peace negotiations among South Sudan’s warring parties.

The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) claims that a ‘breakthrough’ was reached today in talks on the outstanding issues at peace negotiations among South Sudan’s warring parties.

This came as a result of a “mini-summit” among the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, President of Kenya, Prime Minister of Uganda and President of South Sudan.

“At the Juba consultations a breakthrough has been achieved on the outstanding issues, to be finalized at the next IGAD Summit to be convened next week,” reads a press statement from the IGAD delegation in Juba. 

IGAD clarified that the breakthrough is related to the outstanding issues that negotiators were unable to resolve at the last round of peace talks held in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

The statement notes that IGAD leaders have also consulted with Riek Machar, the leader of the SPLM-IO rebel faction, prior to the consultations today with Salva Kiir.

“The IGAD Heads of State and Government attending the Mini-Summit congratulated President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar for their courageous and visionary leadership in resolving the ongoing crisis in South Sudan,” the statement adds.

Photo: Chief Mediator Seyoum Mesfin reads the communiqué while IGAD leaders stand behind him 

Related: 

Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda leaders to meet Kiir Wednesday (21 Oct.)

IGAD-led South Sudan peace talks delayed again (20 Oct.)