Amb. Mahboub's statement on South Sudan

By Standard digital reporter

The Executive Secretary of IGAD H.E. Ambassador (Eng) Mahboub M. Maalim has commended H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar for each appointing negotiation teams, noting this to be an important development towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.

Ambassador Maalim thanked the parties for heeding the call on December 27th by the IGAD Summit of Heads of State and Government for dialogue and further commended the parties for strongly agreeing in principle to reach a monitored cessation of hostilities.

He noted with appreciation the efforts of the IGAD Special Envoys to South Sudan, Gen. Lazarus Sumbeiywo and Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin in promptly engaging both parties and expressed his gratitude to both the Republic of Kenya and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for facilitating the work of the Special Envoys.

Expressing his concern for the continuing suffering by civilians in South Sudan, the IGAD Executive Secretary acknowledged the crucial role that humanitarian actors are continuing to play, and urged the International Community and all stakeholders in South Sudan to support the commendable work by the humanitarian actors to enable them reach all those directly affected by the violence.

Ambassador Mahboub further called on all local actors to desist from violence while the modalities for talks are finalized and confirmed.

The Executive Secretary wishes to reiterate his reassurance to the People of the Republic of South Sudan of his and IGAD?s full support towards reaching a peaceful solution and calls upon the International Community to continue supporting IGAD?s efforts towards sustainable peace and stability in South Sudan.