Festus Mogae, chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), a body tasked with overseeing implementation of the signed peace deal in South Sudan, welcomed the national dialogue launched by President Kiir on Monday.

Speaking during a plenary meeting in Juba today morning, Mogae said: “I am encouraged by the declaration that the National Dialogue will be inclusive, transparent and conducted with integrity.”

However, Magae pointed out that the national dialogue does not replace the implementation of the peace agreement, saying it is complementary.

“Let us all give peace and dialogue a chance in order to create a conducive environment for the full implementation of the Agreement,” said Mogue.

Mogae condemned continuation of violence in Tonga, Kodok, and Aburoc in Upper Nile since last month and very recently in Wau and Waat towns.

“JMEC condemns the senseless continuation of violence and the resulting loss of civilian life in South Sudan and I remain deeply concerned by the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country, “he said.

“The current figures of displaced people and refugees are staggering and continue to illustrate the scale of the impact of the ongoing conflict. Civilians are routinely and forcefully removed from their villages by the conflict and have their lives uprooted and livelihoods dismantled,” he added.

The peace monitor commended President Kiir for declaring a unilateral ceasefire and for recommending the release of political detainees, while urging the opposition to follow suit immediately.

Mogae expressed deep concern over the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country, saying the ongoing hostilities exacerbate the challenges and create even more humanitarian needs.

He pointed out that the renewed violence reported in Yuai, Waat, Tonga and Kodok areas displaced between 50,000 and 100,000 people, of which at least 25,000 people fled to Aburoc area.

Mogae pointed out that he consulted with regional leaders in the pursuit of peace in South Sudan. “During the month of May, I have met with the Chairperson of the AU Commission, the Chairperson of IGAD and Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the Presidents of Sudan, Uganda and Kenya,” he said.

“I appealed for us all to adopt “one voice” in our engagement with the leaders of South Sudan, and stressed the need for the regional leaders to align their messages and actions to prevent the situation in South Sudan from further deterioration,” he added.