As part of the continuous engagement with stakeholders of the High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) on South Sudan, State Minister Hirut Zemene and IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ambassador Ismail Wais briefed members of the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF) on Monday (January 22).
During the briefing session, Co-Chairs of the meeting State Minister Hirut and Ambassador Wais have given particular emphasis on two major issues. They have, primarily, pointed out that despite violations, the signing of Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians, and Humanitarian Access in Addis Ababa on December 21st was pivotal to ensure stability in the country. Co-Chairs noted violators would be singled out and be accountable.
The Co-Chairs have praised the AU Commission, the IGAD Special Envoy for the Republic of South Sudan, the IGAD Partners Forum, the High-Level Co-Facilitators of the HLRF, the AU High-Level ad-hoc Committee, JMEC, the UN, the Troika and the International Community, who have tirelessly worked to ensure the signing of the Agreement ahead of the expected time.
The second point the Co-Chairs raised was that those few violations will not undermine the next phase of the HLRF scheduled to be held on the 5th of February, 2018.
Praising the efforts being exerted by the IGAD towards ensuring a long-lasting peace in South Sudan, Members of the IPF have with one voice pledged their continued support to the Revitalization Process.
