Mekki Elmograbi: Question to IGAD on its latest statement on South Sudan’s Conflict

Mekki Elmograbi: Question to IGAD on its latest statement on South Sudan’s Conflict

Needless to say that the conflict in South Sudan highlighted the necessity and the importance of the regional and the African endeavors and mediation and their positive role in solving African conflicts and disputes. Again and again, we have to praise “African Solutions for African Problems” and “Home Grown Solutions”.

The IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) has launched its mediation very soon after the conflict had started in South Sudan in December 2013.

It seems now the conflict is approaching its second year without a ray of hope that it will be ended very soon but observers still prefer the African role and strongly refuse any trend to internationalize the mediation.

IGAD started to be more obvious in criticizing parties who are not contributing positively in the peace process. IGAD issued a press release on 29 October 2014 condemning violence in South Sudan’s Unity State; calling on opposition forces to immediately, cease hostilities.

IGAD mediators have strongly condemned SPLM/A (In Opposition) forces led by Dr. Machar accusing them of initiating a new conflict in the area of Bentiu, Unity State in South Sudan, “The ongoing fighting in and around Bentiu, Unity State demonstrates that the SPLM/A (In Opposition) has yet to abandon the option of war”, IGAD Envoys said.

SPLM/A (In Opposition) forces led by Dr. Machar repeatedly criticized IGAD on its tolerance with the Ugandan involvement in South Sudan’s conflict calling on IGAD to pressurize Kampala to withdraw its troops from South Sudan. The opposition always poses the question: Why didn’t IGAD issued a clear and strong statement asking Uganda to withdraw its troops from South Sudan? For sure, Juba has its own justification, but what is the assessment of IGAD on this issue? Observers consider IGAD involvement as a positive African intervention but still there is an urgent need to make a comprehensive assessment to the IGAD-led peace process in South Sudan.

Written By\ Mekki Elmograbi