East African foreign ministers launch new bid to revive Sudanese talks

17 Octobre 2017

Nairobi, Kenya, October 17 (Infosplusgabon) - Foreign ministers from the East African region have kicked off an  initiative to revive the stalled South Sudanese peace initiative after months of deadlock.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said on Tuesday the East African ministers have launched negotiations with various leaders in South Sudan, which should last for the next two months.

“On 28 September IGAD began a comprehensive round of consultation meetings in Addis Ababa, Khartoum, Pretoria and here in Juba, pursuant to our mandate to convene a High Level Revitalisation Forum for South Sudan," IGAD said in the statement.

According to IGAD Special Envoy Ismail Wais, the efforts to revive the stalled South Sudanese talks have continued over the past three weeks, led by senior members of the IGAD Council of Ministers.

The ministers have met with all significant parties to the conflict in South Sudan.

“I can report to you now that these consultations have all been positive and constructive and I wish to thank each and every one of the participants for their commitment, engagement and thoughtful contributions," Wais said.

Ethiopian foreign minister Workneh Gebeyehu, the Chairman of the IGAD Council of Ministers, led foreign ministers Amina Mohamed of Kenya, Sam Kutesa of Uganda and Ibrahim Ghandour, of Sudan.

The ministers were accompanied by Djibouti Foreign minister Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, and Abdulkadir Ahmedkheyir Abdi, State Minister from Somalia during the consultations.

“Together, or in smaller groups, they have met with Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan, Taban Deng Gai, First Vice President and the Council of Ministers of the Transitional Government of National Unity,"  IGAD said.

In Pretoria, the ministers also met Dr. Riek Machar, the main opposition leader in South Sudan.

“Over the next few weeks the IGAD Special Envoy’s Taskforce will reflect on the outcomes of the consultation meetings, including consideration of the various written contributions provided to us, and develop a options and recommendations for the revitalisation process.

“Once complete, the IGAD Council of Ministers will convene a meeting to consider the various recommendations and options, and will thereafter pronounce on the date, location, attendance and draft agenda for the High Level Revitalisation Forum," IGAD said.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/KOI/GABON 2017

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