ADDIS ABABA – Experts called on support from all regional and global players, including and especially Ethiopia, to push the formation of South Sudan transitional government over the line.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir and ex-rebel leader Riek Machar agreed to form a unity government back in September, before deciding to push it back by 100 days.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Security Director of IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development), Abebe Muluneh said that the decision by the two leaders to push the deadline to form the transitional unity government until next February has prompted many stakes to convey their concern.
He further noted that each global players like United Nations, United States and China, and especially neighboring countries have huge responsibilities in turning the formation of the new administration into a reality. “The Chairmanship of IGAD is in the hand of Sudan currently, and we hope it will be successful in its effort to turn this encouraging development into a positive conclusion.”
South Sudan is a wealthy nation but the disagreement between its political leaders has led the country into turmoil for many years now, and in my view, this move to form unity government should be well acknowledged and supported by all concerned parties.
In this regard, all should support in constructive fashion and in a way that highlight the will of South Sudanese peoples. Neighboring countries like Ethiopia are key players in this and should play a vital role in pushing forward the forming of unity government that could benefit the region’s communities.
Ethiopia had been a champion in forging the peace deal, and in bringing stability to the region, in general, and hope the country keep on that path, he noted.
Ethiopia has for long campaigned South Sudan and regional peace, often playing a central constructive role, and during his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed had reiterated this position of his government by calling for peace in the Horn of Africa. He said: “For you to have a peaceful night, your neighbor shall have a peaceful night as well.”
The Prime Minister also presided over the final agreement to form a transitional government in Sudan, which heralded a landmark event as Ethiopia’s efforts to restore peace in Sudan have come to fruition.
Echoing Ethiopia’s ironclad commitment to the region’s peace and stability, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokeperson Nebiyat Getachew indicated that Ethiopia is committed as always in supporting South Sudan, because peace is indispensable to the region.
Ethiopia as a member of IGAD and neighboring country has been exerting maximum effort to end the civil war and make the formation of the transitional government an achievable goal.
Ethiopia has been following the development closely, he continued, and certain that the two leadership decisions to form unity government will be important in creating stable region and improve the livelihood of the region’s communities.
Ethiopia will keep on supporting the peace deal, politically and diplomatically, and provide a platform to resolves differences whenever they may arise.
“We will work to implement the set goals in line with IGAD roadmap to create a unified army, and will also work with all member states to let the internal borders of South Sudan regional states get marked, and camping soldiers under the unified military sentiment be actualized in line with roadmap of IGAD.”
All in all, the experts agree that every regional and global player should give critical support in the final and crucial push needed to get the peace deal over the line, with Ethiopia playing its expected role.
The Ethiopian Herald January 15/2020
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
