The UN peacekeeping chief said yesterday the involvement of eastern African countries in revitalizing the peace process in South Sudan was among the main topics he discussed with President Salva Kiir, describing such regional engagement “a good thing.”
“We discussed the initiative of IGAD towards the revitalization of the peace process,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, in the South Sudanese capital, Juba, following a meeting with President Kiir on Wednesday.
Lacroix further said there was a convergence of opinion that it was “a good thing” that the countries forming the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are more engaged in helping South Sudan.
Lacroix underlined that the peace process could not move forward if fighting continued. He pledged the continued support of the UN towards providing aid for the most vulnerable people in South Sudan.
Last month, the IGAD agreed to form a high-level forum to work across the region to revitalize the peace process.
South Sudan's Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Lomuro told the press that President Kiir would like the IGAD, UNMISS or the UN to engage rebels in order to being peace.