Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of the regional bloc IGAD, has announced the appointment of Lawrence Korbandy of South Sudan as the blac's special envoy for war-torn Sudan.

"Following the resolution of the 41st Extraordinary Summit of the IGAD Assembly and in consultation with the Chair of the Assembly, Republic of Djibouti, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, announces the appointment of Hon. Lawrence Korbandy of South Sudan as the IGAD Special Envoy for the Republic of Sudan," IGAD said in a Tuesday statement extended to Radio Tamazuj.

It added, "Dr. Workneh has tasked Hon. Korbandy with a pivotal good offices role, charging him with the responsibility to actively engage, facilitate dialogue, and seek common ground in the Sudan crisis, providing counsel on the path forward.”

Reacting to Laurence's appointment, Mr Edmund Yakani, a renowned South Sudanese civil society activist, said:”Finally, our long-time advocacy and lobby resulted in an action. This is an opportunity for South Sudan to effectively and constructively engage in finaling an inclusive and durable political solution to the Sudan political crisis.”

Yakani, who is the Executive Director for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), which promotes civil society values in South Sudan, expressed happiness for the representation of South Sudan in seeking a peaceful settlement in sisterly country, Sudan.

“CEPO will be effectively supporting sudan civil society for meaningful participation and representation in the process for seeking durable political solution for sudan violence,” Yakani said.

Lawrence Korbandy, a renowned South Sudanese lawyer, brings two decades of expertise in governance, international relations and diplomacy to the new role.

His distinguished career spans holding key governmental positions in South Sudan, including serving as the legal advisor to South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit and contributing to various governance and legal committees within government.

With a background as a seasoned legal practitioner and diplomat, Korbandy possesses extensive knowledge of the Horn of Africa, the wider IGAD region, and the Middle East, as well as a deep understanding of the workings of international and regional organizations.

"Hon. Korbandy embodies the qualities essential for promoting dialogue and seeking resolutions, including in his own country. His extensive experience and diplomatic acumen equip him impeccably for the responsibilities entrusted upon him," said Dr. Workneh.

The appointment of  Lawrence Korbandy as the IGAD Special Envoy for Sudan is seen as part of IGAD's commitment to addressing the conflict in Sudan through diplomatic channels.

In January, the ruling military generals in Sudan suspended the country's membership in the East African regional bloc IGAD that tried to broker peace talks between the warring parties.

The Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)  have been fighting since mid-April last year following tensions over plans for a new political transition.

The conflict in Sudan has driven nearly 8.5 million people from their homes, creating the world's biggest displacement crisis, pushed parts of the 49-million population close to famine, and triggered waves of ethnically driven killings and sexual violence in the western region of Darfur.

The Sudanese army, which has recently regained some ground in the capital, Khartoum, shunned an appeal from the U.N. Security Council for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia and the United States led talks in Jeddah last year to try to reach a truce between the two warring parties, but the negotiations faltered.