The South Sudanese civil society organization CEPO has urged East African regional mediators to clarify their strategy for the peace talks and to improve their public relations so that more South Sudanese understand what they are doing.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, noted that IGAD Special Envoy Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin previously disclosed that the new ‘IGAD Plus’ mediation mechanism will involve additional countries besides the IGAD members. He called on the chief mediator to clarify on “how the mechanism of IGAD Plus will operate or function.”
“It is essential that South Sudanese have correct information about the system of the mediation under the IGAD Plus approach or strategy. Providing prior information on the IGAD Plus approach or strategy for the mediation is paramount,” said Yakani.
He added, “In strong terms, CEPO is urging equally the leadership of IGAD and African Peace and Security Council including the office of Honorable Chairperson of African Union Commission to issue public press release on the approach of IGAD Plus before the resumption of the next round of the mediation.”
The leader of CEPO says that the mediation strategy would be improved “by embracing strong engagement with the South Sudanese communities at their respective capacities,” saying engagement with only elites will not result in a successful process.