East African bloc starts revitalization forum on South Sudan conflict resolution

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) - led High-Level Revitalization Forum for the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan kicked off in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Monday.

The five-day forum is expected to provide a distinctive opportunity to bring IGAD, regional and international parties together towards ending the conflict in South Sudan with the help of stakeholders on the negotiation table.

Ethiopian Prime Minister and the current Chairperson of IGAD, Hailemariam Desalegn, said during the opening session of the forum on Monday that the two South Sudanese warring factions need to leave their differences aside.

Desalegn, who urged South Sudanese warring parties to do their part for the peace and stability of their country, stressed that the current five-day forum is the last opportunity to ensure peace in South Sudan.

According to Desalegn, the East African bloc of IGAD will take the necessary actions if the current efforts are failed.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, also urged the two South Sudanese warring parties to seize the opportunity to resolve the crisis.

The forum started shortly after the IGAD Council of Ministers meeting on Sunday.

IGAD Council of Ministers has on Sunday reviewed the Progress Report of the IGAD Special Envoy on the preparations of the High-Level Revitalization Forum.

IGAD, in a statement issued after the council of ministers meeting on Sunday, indicated that the east African region must approach the revitalization with strength of purpose.

The Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission for South Sudan, Festus Mogae, has also appealed to IGAD leaders to remain united under one voice and to encourage the South Sudanese leadership to commit on the current opportunity to restore the peace agreement to center stage.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy turned rebel chief Riek Machar led to split within the SPLA, leaving soldiers to fight alongside ethnic lines.

The 2015 peace agreement to end the conflict was weakened after outbreak of renewed fighting in July 2016 caused the SPLA-in opposition rebel leader Machar to flee the capital. Enditem