IGAD holds virtual summit on South Sudan crisis amid escalating tensions

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a trade bloc in East Africa said it is set to hold its 43rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on Wednesday.

The summit is to discuss the evolving situation in South Sudan following the security crisis in the country.

The summit will be held virtually, the regional bloc said in a statement issued on Monday.

IGAD, as the guarantor of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting dialogue.

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De-escalating tensions, and securing a peaceful future for the people of South Sudan, the statement said.

Clashes erupted in mid-February between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and armed civilian groups in the country’s Nasir County.

Tensions escalated after the government announced plans to deploy new forces to Nasir County to rotate troops that had been stationed in the area for several years.

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Last week, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu called for restraint and dialogue to ease rising tensions in South Sudan.

He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, reaffirm their commitment to the R-ARCSS, and prioritise dialogue and reconciliation as the only sustainable path to peace.

This will help to ensure the protection of civilians and the stability of the region.