The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has refuted a recent report in which a news outlet claimed it had obtained a “leaked memo”, which allegedly accuses Uganda of threatening the peace process in South Sudan.
The IGAD secretariat, in a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj Monday, expressed dismay at the report. “Responsible journalism, regardless of the medium-airwaves, electronic or print-requires bearing full responsibility for the accuracy, credibility and verification of the information sought to be conveyed before broadcasting the same to the target audience and public at large,” the statement reads in part.
Uganda, according to the regional bloc, unwaveringly adheres to IGAD’s mission and mandate, as do all the other seven member states and in this regard continues to play a crucial role towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict in the world’s youngest nation.
“The IGAD secretariat and IGAD South Sudan Office are not aware of any efforts whatsoever by the South Sudan News Agency to establish the authenticity of the purported leaked Internal Memo,” it said.
IGAD is an eight-member regional organization comprised of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. Its mission is to promote regional cooperation and integration to enhance efforts by the member States to achieve peace, security and prosperity throughout the region.
In May, South Sudan’s rival leaders extended the formation of the unity government to November to implement key provisions such as creating a unified army and determining the number of states and their boundaries.