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ADDIS ABABA - 5 Feb 2018

South Sudan leaders must seize last chance for peace, IGAD says

The chairperson of the IGAD council of ministers Workneh Gebeyehu urged South Sudanese parties at the revitalization forum to show real commitment towards peace, saying this is the last chance.

Workneh said this in his the opening remarks at the IGAD-led High Level Revitalization Forum in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa today.

“You collectively by political and personal interest are responsible for the nightmare your own people are going through. You have had numerous opportunities to change directions; you have repeatedly failed to do so. Let me underline here, this really is the very last chance for you for you to accept your responsibilities and take the necessarily action to put South Sudan to peace and prosperity,” he said.

“You must show a real political will and commitment to peace. This is your full responsibility. To your country, this is your people, to save your country and your people take more concrete definite action,” he added.

Gebeyehu warned that violators of the cessation of hostilities agreement will be held accountable.“I will now underline that the violators of the cessation of hostilities agreement will be held accountable for the loss of life, humanitarian rights and violations they continue to hold,” he said.

The IGAD official called upon CTSAMM to proceed most urgently with all necessary investigations to identify individuals and parties responsible for atrocities and violations.

 “I also urge the parties to adhere to the council statement of 25 of Jan 2018 to hand over the list of violators promptly. This will allow IGAD, AU, UN and the international community to take the necessary action,” he said.

Gebeyehu said the recently concluded IGAD summit clearly agreed to take action against any South Sudanese party that violates agreements.

He further said he was hopeful that the signing of an agreement in this round of talks will bring an end to the violation of human rights in South Sudan.