South Africa welcomes the signing of two agreements to end the conflict in South Sudan
The South African Government welcomes the signing on 23 January 2014 in Addis Ababa by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army – SPLM/A (in opposition) of Agreements on the Cessation of Hostilities and the Status of Detainees, under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
South Africa views the signing of the agreements as key developments in resolving the political differences in South Sudan and crucial moves to bring the country back onto the road to development and stability.
South Africa welcomes the positive way in which the two sides put aside differences for the sake of the people of South Sudan in the negotiation and signing of the agreements and calls for the same spirit to be maintained in finding a lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan.
South Africa further calls on the two parties to ensure that the two agreements be fully implemented and that the two sides continue their unconditional co-operation with IGAD to ensure an improvement in the humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
South Africa wishes to call on all other leaders in South Sudan as well as broad civil society to support the implementation of the agreements and assist with the process in finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
South Africa expresses its sincere gratitude to the leadership of IGAD, especially Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia, and the other Heads of State and Government of the region, the IGAD Mediation Team chaired by Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin (Ethiopia) and comprising General Lazaro Sumbeiywo (Kenya) and General Mohamed Ahmed M. El Dabi (Uganda) in securing the signing of the two agreements.
For further information:
Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO
Cell: 082 884 5974
