The members of the Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) issued a joint statement congratulating South Sudanese parties on their willingness to compromise for the benefit of the people of South Sudan and hoped that they immediately take action to make good on the cessation of hostilities agreement.
On Thursday 21 December, the parties to the conflict signed the agreement on cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, and humanitarian access in Addis Ababa.
The members of the Troika, according to the statement, said they fully support the continuing effort by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to build peace through the revitalization forum.
“”We would like to recognize in particular the meaningful contributions of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, and the members of the IGAD Council of Ministers,” the three countries said.
“We further recognize the tireless work undertaken by IGAD Special Envoy Ismail Wais and the High Level Facilitators to bring the parties together and the inclusion of a number of civil society organizations and women representatives at the Forum,” they added.
The Troika called on all the parties to implement the agreement immediately including the parties’ obligations regarding humanitarian access.
“We are encouraged by the strong statements from the African Union and IGAD making clear their intent to hold the parties accountable,” the group said.
The Troika also called on the parties to reconvene urgently to address the important security and governance arrangements that are essential for peace in South Sudan.