JUBA — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which mediated the 2018 revitalized peace settlement on Wednesday, referred to as for swift investigations into the lethal violence in Upper Nile State and the assault on the UN helicopter that led to the loss of life of its personnel and dozens of troopers.
The clashes erupted in mid-February between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and armed civilian teams within the nation’s Nasir County.
Tensions escalated after the federal government introduced plans to deploy new forces to Nasir County to rotate troops stationed within the space for a number of years.
The SSPDF commander, Major General Majur Dak, and 30 of his troopers had been killed throughout a United Nations evacuation operation in Nasir.
Kiir’s administration detained SPLA-IO appearing Chief of Staff, General Gabriel Duop Lam, and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, alongside a number of senior army officers allied with Machar.
In an announcement issued after the forty third Extraordinary IGAD Heads of State and Government digital summit on Wednesday, the physique referred to as for an unbiased investigation, led by CTSAMVM, into the Nasir clashes and the current assault on a UN helicopter.
It mentioned it’s via investigation {that a} reality could possibly be established to make sure accountability for any violations.
“Fifth, an independent investigation into the Nasir clashes and the attack on the UN helicopter should be undertaken by CTSAMVM to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability for any violations,” it mentioned.
The regional bloc additionally urged all events to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement to unconditionally stop hostilities and absolutely uphold the everlasting ceasefire.
It referred to as for an pressing dialogue between the leaders of South Sudan, facilitated by a head of state from inside the IGAD area, to handle pressure between the events.
It mentioned that is important to rebuild mutual belief and result in a joint public declaration reaffirming their dedication to peace.
“Third, the government of South Sudan is urged to forthwith release detained officials, unless credible evidence warrants legal proceedings conducted transparently and in accordance with due process, lift any undue restrictions, and restore standard security arrangements.”
The physique additionally urged the South Sudanese authorities to launch detained officers except credible proof justifies authorized proceedings, which needs to be performed transparently and in accordance with due course of.
“Our fourth recommendation is that in order to stabilize the security and political landscape, the Secretariat advises that the Joint Defense Board be promptly reconvened to address contentious deployments, such as those in Nasir, and oversee the safe withdrawal of forces, in coordination with UNMISS.”