“These developments seriously undermine the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and threaten to plunge the country back into violent conflict,” an official statement warned.

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu urged all parties to immediately refrain from unilateral actions that violate the spirit and letter of the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Gebeyehu recalled that this call was part of the final declaration of the 43rd Extraordinary Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the regional body held last March 12. The agreement remains the only viable framework for sustainable peace in Juba, the statement said.

“If left unchecked, the current trajectory could lead to the collapse of the transitional process and a relapse into full-scale war, with devastating consequences for the people of South Sudan and the region as a whole,” the statement added.

Gebeyehu also called on all signatories to the R-Acss to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize dialogue and resolve differences through inclusive and peaceful means.

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