One-voice approach urged to end conflict in world’s newest nation

JUBA: Festus Mogae, the head of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) for South Sudan, has called for a unified voice to end the conflict in the world’s newest nation, the Sudan Tribune reports.

In a Monday statement, released in the capital Juba as the former president of Botswana attended a plenary session, Mogae told parties from the coalition government that a one-voice approach would strengthen revitalisation efforts to end conflict in the country.

“I also reinforced the one-voice message, and the need for the region to approach revitalisation unified and with strength of purpose,” said Mogae.

“Collectively, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State must prevail over the South Sudanese leadership to rethink the current trajectory of the country and take the necessary steps to restore peace and inclusive governance.”

To this end, a five-point approach was unveiled which Mogae said if accepted and implemented by the relevant parties without hesitation would end the country’s ongoing civil war which began in 2013.

An inclusive political process, which brings together all parties and estranged groups, a cessation of all hostilities and a renegotiated permanent ceasefire that includes all armed groups, was one of the best approaches, according to the JMEC chairperson.

A clear plan of action to address the current dire humanitarian situation and facilitate the eventual voluntary return of internally displaced persons and the repatriation of refugees was also necessary – all of which would need to be enforced by a mechanism involving transitional security arrangements, enforcement, and accountability measures for spoilers and violators.

Mogae also called for specific reforms to ensure conduct of credible, free and fair elections at the end of a transitional period and dedicated funding for implementation of the revitalised peace agreement.

Violations of the ceasefire, including sexual and gender-based violence by armed, uniformed men have continued since JMEC’s last plenary joint briefing.