East African bloc calls for refrain from violent acts in South Sudan

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged concerned parties to refrain from violent acts in South Sudan.

It is with deep sadness that IGAD learnt of the eruption of fresh violence in Juba, South Sudan, on July 8 during which forces allied to the different factions of the unity government engaged in deadly armed battles, said a statement from the East African bloc on Sunday.

"IGAD condemns in the strongest terms possible these violent acts which have once again placed the long suffering people of South Sudan in unspeakable harm's way," said the statement.

"IGAD abhors the loss of lives and fears for civilian casualties if the situation is not contained immediately, and urges all concerned to exercise restraint and demonstrate true leadership by doing all they can to stop the violence."

The leaders of South Sudan should honor the promise they made to the people of South Sudan five years ago on July 9, 2011 when the country became independent, said the statement, it was then declared that peace would prevail and development and democracy would be guaranteed.

IGAD hopes that these noble pledges will be honored and the leaders would close ranks with the peace-loving citizens of South Sudan whose only wish is for the bloodshed to stop immediately, said the statement. Endit