Progress has been reported at the ongoing peace talks between the government and the opposition at Bahir Dar town, in Ethiopia.
Bishop Enock Tombe, a member of the religious leaders’ stakeholders’ delegation says both sides are beginning to discuss contentious issues, and have resolved to make bold decisions.
Bishop Tombe: “I can assure you, they are really beginning to talk to each other, and there was a situation yesterday when somebody said, ‘Let us make bold decisions.’ Of course, if they do not succeed, IGAD is already ready and has contacted two experts to come and help them and then they will try again. If they do not succeed, then the matter will be referred to the two principals Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar through the IGAD mediators. But I am satisfied with the process. I think they are talking real issues and peace cannot be grown from somewhere – we have to make it”.
The sixth round of talks resumed on Monday.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on the leadership of both sides of the conflict to find an inclusive and mutually agreed power sharing arrangement to start a transitional phase of governance.
Ban says as any agreement that leaves key stake holders outside the transition will not bring sustainable peace.
Reech Malual is here with more: “Addressing a high level meeting on South Sudan on the sidelines of the UN general Assembly in New York, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the peace agreement will also have to address the causes of the conflict, in particular, transparency and accountability in the management of oil resources – which he says must be used to improve the welfare of the majority and not to benefit a minority. The Secretary General also said those responsible for atrocities must face justice through a mechanism that meets international standards and cautioned that there can be no amnesty for anyone responsible for killing innocent civilians. He also said the leaders have a duty to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access and guarantee the safety of aid operations. The Secretary General said the United Nations is currently supporting South Sudan with the biggest humanitarian operation ever undertaken in a country. In a direct message to the leaders Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said they have opened the wounds that have caused so much suffering and now must heal them. I am Reech Malual for Radio Miraya News”.
The United State says it is frustrated with the slow progress in the peace process.
U.S. special envoy to South Sudan and Sudan Donald Booth said his country is ready to expand sanctions against political and military figures unless warring parties end the violence quickly.
Ambassador Booth said recent measures, including sanctions last week against two military officers on opposite sides of the violence, were intended to signal that the United States would not hesitate to act against those obstructing peace.
Booth said the most important progress right now is an agreement on a transitional government, with agreements on its shape and functions.