IGAD mediators condemn renewed violence in South Sudan’s Unity and Upper Nile States; call on all forces to immediately cease hostilities

(IGAD - Addis Ababa) The IGAD Special Envoys for South Sudan strongly condemn reports of heavy fighting in Nassir, Upper Nile State, and near Bentiu, Unity State, South Sudan.

The IGAD Special Envoys implore the warring parties to demonstrate restraint and immediately cease hostilities, in line with their repeated pledges to end the war.  On November 7, 2014, at the 28th Extra-Ordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, the warring parties committed to an unconditional, complete and immediate end to all hostilities.  It is the clear expectation, and plea of the IGAD Special Envoys, that this commitment is fully respected. 

IGAD Monitoring and Verification Teams have been instructed to investigate these latest incidents and determine responsibility for the violations.  

At the start of this New Year, the IGAD Special Envoys urge the warring parties to make the gift of peace to the people of South Sudan, and ensure that the conflict does not continue for one moment longer.

The IGAD Special Envoys renew their call to the IGAD Heads of State and Government, the African Union, the United Nations, the Troika, the European Union, the People’s Republic of China and the broader international community to join them in pressuring the parties to immediately end hostilities and commit to the ongoing peace process. ##

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Hailemicheal Gebreselassie | Communications Officer | Office of the IGAD Special Envoys for South Sudan | E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.| Tel: +251.924.909.948