IGAD calls meeting on South Sudan stalemate

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Horn of Africa’s regional stability watchdog, has called a meeting to iron out friction between President Salva Kiir and former rebel leader Dr Riek Machar over formation of a government of National Unity.

IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan Imail Wais asked all the parties on Thursday to attend a meeting on May 2 and 3 aimed at reaching a consensus on formation of the new government.

Delays in creating a neutral security force and enacting legislation essential to improving governance have led to a clash between President Kiir and Dr Machar on whether the new government should be formed on May 12, as scheduled.

“I write to invite you to a meeting of the leadership of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan regarding the status of the implementation of the peace agreement and the way forward that is scheduled to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 2 to 3 May 2019,” a letter signed by Ambassador Wais read.

It also asked the South Sudan parties to the peace pact to send 3 delegates each.

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