IGAD concerned over violations of South Sudan ceasefire deal

The Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers expressed his deep concern and disappointment over the violations of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and humanitarian access signed in Addis Ababa on 21 December by the warring parties in South Sudan.

The Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers expressed his deep concern and disappointment over the violations of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and humanitarian access signed in Addis Ababa on 21 December by the warring parties in South Sudan.

In a statement released on Friday, the Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers and Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu strongly condemned the violations of the agreement. He demanded an immediate end to all forms of hostilities; and called upon all the parties who violate the agreement to come to their senses.

Gebeyehu said the current violations of the agreement, few days after it’s signing, undermine the genuine efforts by the region and the international community.

“The Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers expresses its firm position to hold all violators accountable in accordance with the resolutions of the 28th Extra-ordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government of 24 November 2014 and any other provisions of International Law,” partly reads the statement.

The Ethiopian minister called upon CTSAMM, in collaboration with UNMISS to monitor the situation on the ground without any delay and immediately report its findings on which party is responsible for the violations.