AU and IGAD Envoys’ Visits Should Trigger Concrete Peace Actions, CEPO

Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, has called on the country’s leadership to make serious political compromises to achieve genuine peace and stability in South Sudan.

He stated that the current visit of the African Union (AU) Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, to Juba, alongside the visit of the IGAD Special Envoy to the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Amb. Ismail Wais (or the appropriate envoy’s name if different), should result in a concrete demonstration of political commitment to peace by the country’s leadership.

According to Mr. Yakani, the citizens of South Sudan are demanding an immediate ceasefire, the release of political detainees, the commencement of an inclusive political dialogue, and agreement on sufficient conditions for the conduct of credible, free, fair, and peaceful elections.

He emphasized that these demands reflect the aspirations of the people for lasting peace, stability, democratic governance, and national unity. The country’s leaders should seize the opportunity presented by the engagement of regional and continental envoys to take decisive actions that will restore public confidence and advance the implementation of peace commitments.