Roundup: South Sudanese parties urged to honor their latest peace pledge

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- As South Sudan's government and rebel groups signed a peace agreement on Thursday, various regional and international actors are calling for full and effective implementation of the agreement toward ending violence in the country.

International actors such as the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), the coalition of three western countries (Troika) and other regional organizations and governments have welcomed the agreement signed by South Sudan's government and rebel groups on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access.

Welcoming the signing of an agreement on cessation of hostilities and improving humanitarian access in South Sudan, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has also on Friday urged all parties to work collectively to ensure durable peace in the nation.

"The Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access is an important first step in the revitalization of the peace process," UNMISS said.

"UNMISS is committed to supporting the peace process in line with its mandate through advancing reconciliation efforts, strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms, building national cohesion and engaging in regional and international peace initiatives," it added.

According to the AU, the agreement, which was signed as part of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-led Revitalization Forum that opened in Addis Ababa on December 17, is "a critical first step in the efforts to end the senseless conflict and carnage that has been unfolding in South Sudan since December 2013."

While welcoming the first step, the chairperson of the commission of the AU, Moussa Faki Mahamat, stressed that "the true test of the genuineness of the parties' commitments lies in the full and effective implementation of their pledge to end violence and uphold the most basic tenets of international humanitarian law."

"The people of South Sudan, who have endured so much pain and suffering, are investing great expectation in the faithful implementation of this agreement. They desperately need and deserve respite from war, especially as they enter this festive Christmas season, and look with rekindled hope towards the New Year," Faki Mahamat stressed.

He also indicated that South Sudanese warring factions "should build on this important achievement and continue to make the necessary compromises without which the revitalization process cannot succeed."

Troika, which comprises Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, also congratulated South Sudanese parties concerning the newly signed peace agreement.

According to the joint statement by the three western nations, the agreement shows the parties' "willingness to compromise for the benefit of the people of South Sudan and hope that they immediately take action to make good on that agreement."

Troika, however, called upon all the parties to "implement the agreement immediately including the parties' obligations regarding humanitarian access."

"We are encouraged by the strong statements from the African Union and IGAD making clear their intent to hold the parties accountable," the statement indicated, adding that "The Troika calls on the parties to reconvene urgently to address the important security and governance arrangements that are essential for peace."

Troika members further assured their full support to the continuation of efforts by IGAD to build peace through the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) in South Sudan.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 following 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 the outbreak of renewed fighting in July 2016 caused the SPLA-in opposition rebel leader Machar to flee the capital.

The AU, IGAD and regional governments had prior to the recent meeting in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa stressed that the HLRF would be the last opportunity for South Sudan's warring factions on their disposal.

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 five-day forum is the last opportunity to ensure peace in South Sudan.

The East African block of IGAD had also warned south Sudanese parties to reach an agreement or it would take all the necessary actions if the current efforts fail. Enditem