Troika Urges IGAD to Take Institutionalized Measures on Violators of Ceasefire Agreement

Addis Ababa May 24/2018 Troika urged the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) to take institutionalized measures on perpetrators and violators of the ceasefire agreement signed by all South Sudanese parties.  Special Envoys of UK, US and Norway stressed that IGAD and the AU should demonstrate their commitment in brining lasting peace to South Sudan by taking institutional measures on violators in accordance to the investigation of Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM). In a press briefing they gave to journalists on Wednesday, Troika recognized recommitment of the parties to respect the cessation of hostilities agreement and emphasized on "the violence must stop". Noting that the CTSAM has reported 19 violations of the ceasefire agreement since its signing on December 21, 2018, US Envoy Shoo-Can said “it is time to enforce the agreement and hold the violators accountable.” “The parties cannot hope to reach peace or narrow the trust deficit without first silencing the guns and protecting the population within South Sudan,” he stressed. Stating that violation of the cease fire agreement was regretful; Norwegian Special Envoy to South Sudan Erling Sjkonsberg said “unless the fighting stops and the perpetrators are held accountable, durable peace will not come to South Sudan.” He added that the violence on the ground undermines the prospects for peace and impedes the humanitarian assistance. Sjkonsberg called on all parties to show maximum flexibility and willingness to compromise for the benefit of the people of South Sudan. UK Special Envoy to South Sudan, Christopher Trott said dialogue is very important and we welcome the discussions of the parties over the last five days. “We can only achieve sustainable peace in South Sudan if the conflict stops. Not next month, not next week, not tomorrow the conflict needs to stop today,” Trott pointed out. He appreciated the parties' recommitment to the cessation of hostilities agreement and noted “but a commitment on paper is not the same as stopping the guns on the ground.” “What we need to do is to see consequences for those who violate the commitments that they make in order the people in South Sudan should be able to hold them accountable for their actions,” the UK Envoy stressed. There will be progress if the parties can generate political will, he added. They lauded Ethiopia’s and IGAD’s ongoing efforts towards bringing sustainable peace in South Sudan and the region and reaffirmed to continue their support towards the peace process.