Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan, has departed Khartoum in the Republic of the Sudan at the conclusion of his successful Tri-Nation Working Visit to the Republics of Kenya, Uganda and the Sudan. The Deputy President held consultative meetings with the Heads of State and Government of Kenya, Uganda and the Sudan respectively, where discussions were on developments towards the attainment of lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
In September 2018, South Sudanese parties and key stakeholders signed the Revitalized Peace Agreement on South Sudan that chart a roadmap towards the cessation of hostilities, provision of humanitarian assistance, building democracy as well as lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
Kenya, Uganda and the Sudan are key Member States of the InterGovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and important regional stakeholders in South Africa’s efforts towards lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
During the visit, in which the Deputy President held successful bilateral talks with all three Heads of State, he impressed upon them the urgency of implementing the terms of the Revitalized Peace Agreement without any delay.
“My common message to all three Heads of State, who are signatories to the Peace Agreement, is that time is of the essence. Failure to implement the terms of the Agreement will be a serious indictment on all of us as Africans who are committed to African solutions to African problems. Most importantly, we cannot allow the collapse of this Agreement as that would be costly to all our countries, our peoples and the continent of Africa,” said the Deputy President.
Deputy President Mabuza said he was nevertheless pleased that there was new vigour and enthusiasm from all the role players towards the complete implementation of the Peace Agreement.
“South Africa stands ready to deploy its resources, especially human and otherwise towards the attainment of lasting peace and stability in South Sudan and the region,” he said.
Media enquiries:
Thami Ngwenya
Cell: 082 428 4263
Email: thami@presidency.gov.za
