Attachments
15 August, 2014, Addis Ababa - The IGAD Special Envoys for South Sudan received reports from the IGAD Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM) on heavy fighting that ensued this morning in Bentiu from 6.20 a.m to 10 am. The Envoys condemn in the strongest terms the continued flagrant violation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement that was signed on 23 January 2014 by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan (GRSS) and SPLM/A – In Opposition.
The IGAD MVM is currently carrying out investigations to establish details of the fighting which will expose the culprit, as continued violations of COH on ground continue to undermine the ongoing peace process in Addis Ababa.
The Special Envoys are particularly dismayed by the latest fighting that happened just days away from the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government summit meeting, and less than 48 hrs after the departure of the UN Security Council team that visited the region.
The Special Envoys once again call on the parties to adhere to the provisions of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and demonstrate full commitment to the ongoing peace process. The Special Envoys also reiterate that military advances to gain more ground by any party will not achieve anything except to worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and to cause further devastation.# # #
For more information, Contact: Ms. Tigist Hailu (tigist.hailu@cewarn.org), +251 911663514 or Mr. Brazille Musumba (brazille.musumba@igad.int), +254 722617995