ADDIS ABABA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, have reaffirmed their "unwavering support" for peace and sustainable development in South Sudan.
This came as Chairperson of the AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf undertook an official visit to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, from Monday to Tuesday, in close coordination with IGAD. The high-level visit aimed to engage with South Sudanese authorities and key stakeholders on the evolving political and security situation, as well as the status of the peace process in the country, according to a joint communique issued Tuesday.
The AU and IGAD highlighted that the visit came at a "pivotal moment" as South Sudan advances through its transitional period under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). They reiterated their "unwavering support to the government and people of South Sudan in their ongoing pursuit of peace, national unity, democratic governance, and sustainable development."
The two organizations emphasized that peace, stability, and inclusive governance are "indispensable foundations" for South Sudan's sustainable development and regional integration. They further underscored the urgent need to foster mutual trust, national cohesion, respect for political and civic space, and a continued commitment to dialogue and compromise among South Sudanese political actors.
During his two-day official visit, the AU Commission chairperson held high-level consultations with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and other senior government officials.
The high-level consultations were mainly aimed at preserving the hard-won gains of the peace agreement, fostering inclusive national dialogue and consensus, strengthening governance institutions, as well as supporting the timely, credible, and transparent implementation of the transitional roadmap, according to the joint communique.
While in Juba, Youssouf also engaged with regional and international partners to enhance coordination and reinforce a unified approach to supporting South Sudan's transition, it was noted.
The AU and IGAD further reiterated their joint resolve to work collaboratively with the government and people of South Sudan, as well as international and regional partners, to safeguard peace, uphold the principles of the R-ARCSS, and support a future grounded in unity, resilience, and prosperity.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011 following decades of struggle and a protracted peace process, has navigated a precarious path between restoring peace and enduring instability, most notably in 2013 and more recently in 2016, when widespread conflict triggered the initiation of internal peace processes. Enditem
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