ADDIS ABABA–The High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) on South Sudan which was ongoing for the last Four days here came to an end yesterday with the signing of the Agreement of Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access which IGAD outlined as the best case scenario for the world’s newest nation.
The signing came after days of intense deliberations by South Sudanese different parties on procedural, operational and other pertinent matters while regional and international leaders and all south Sudanese closely followed the result of the negotiations.
Ismai Wais, the Special Envoy for South Sudan named the four days discussions “constructive discussions characterized by seriousness of purpose, flexibility as well as accommodating each other’s concerns.” The Special Envoy has seriously urged all the parties to the Agreement and the entire people of South Sudan to safeguard what has been achieved at this juncture; and continue to work closely together in the full realization of the Peace Process in South Sudan.
On the occasion, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Foreign Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the IGAD Council noted that the Agreement was instrumental to bring peace and stability in South Sudan. Dr. Workneh added, “Signing an agreement is, of course, only the first stage. Now South Sudanese stakeholders face the task of implementing these agreements, the necessity of demonstrating the commitments they have agreed to, and the obligations which they have assumed.”
The Minister also noted, “We, in IGAD, have consistently encouraged this Revitalization process, because, it is a process that is fully owned by South Sudanese stakeholders.” He underscored “We will continue to follow up and single out spoilers to be named and shamed, and take action as necessary, to ensure your effort in reaching these decisions is not be wasted.”
The agreement would signal the intent of all parties to re-commit to the revitalization agreement that was initially signed in 2018 under the auspices of the IGAD and the International Community.
The next session of the High Level Revitalization Forum shall be convened in Addis Ababa on January 15, 2018, according to the Special Envoy. Source (MoFA)
