IGAD threatens to take action against peace ‘spoilers’ in South Sudan

The Council of Minister of the East African bloc IGAD has reaffirmed its readiness to take all necessary actions against individuals and groups that spoil and derail the revitalization process from moving forward.

“In this regard, the Council calls upon the TGoNU, and all South Sudanese parties to focus on the higher goal of the national interest, and securing the future of the South Sudan,” partly reads a communique passed during a meeting in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

The IGAD council of minister also in its 59th Extra-Ordinary Session emphasized that the IGAD member states have followed with concern the continuation of the senseless violence in South Sudan, which is inflicting enormous pain and suffering on the South Sudanese people, and has resulted in massive displacement of the population, a dire humanitarian situation, and the devastation of the economy unprecedented in the history of South Sudan.

The Council also noted with deep regret that in spite of the continuing efforts by IGAD, the AU, and the UN as well as the international partners, the peace in South Sudan remains elusive.

The Council reiterated its conviction that only a full, and timely implementation of the peace agreement, and effective enforcement mechanism will deliver a comprehensive and lasting solution to the crisis of South Sudan.