(Addis Ababa, 27 January 2018) The African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations (UN) held a joint consultative meeting on the current situation in the Republic of South Sudan on January 27, 2018, in Addis Ababa, on the margins of the African Union 30th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government.
The AU, IGAD and UN welcomed the outcome of the first phase of the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 18 to 22 December, 2017 and appreciated the impetus it gives to bring peace in South Sudan.
The AU, IGAD and UN, however, strongly condemned the recent violations of the 21 December 2017 Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACOH) in South Sudan which have caused further pain and suffering on the people of South Sudan.
The AU, IGAD and UN demanded parties that violated the ACOH must be held accountable. In this connection, they supported the Joint Statement issued by the UN and AU on 12 January 2018. They also commended the statement by the IGAD Council of Ministers issued on 25th January 2018 which called for violators of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to be held accountable.
AU, IGAD and UN rejected and condemned the threats directed towards CTSAMM by some high level officials of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) for carrying out its mandate.
The AU, IGAD and UN called upon the TGoNU, and all South Sudanese parties to focus on the higher goal of the national interest, and securing the future of South Sudan.
The AU, IGAD and UN reaffirmed their belief that there can only be a political solution to the conflict in South Sudan, and the parties must demonstrate a strong will to an inclusive and revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) in order to end the longstanding conflict in the country.
The AU, IGAD and UN expressed their full support to the successful conclusion of the second phase of the High-Level Revitalization Forum under the leadership of IGAD which is scheduled to be held starting in the first week of February 2018. They also called on the parties to participate in the Forum in good faith and with a view to reaching a compromise and bringing South Sudan back to the path of sustainable peace.
The AU, IGAD and UN expressed their appreciation to the IGAD member states for their solidarity with the People of South Sudan and encouraged them to continue speaking with one voice. The AU, IGAD and UN underscored the important role played by the JMEC Chairperson, the AU High Representative for South Sudan, the Special Envoy of IGAD for South Sudan and the UN Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan in support of the peace process.
The AU, IGAD and UN expressed further deep appreciation to the Troika, EU, the IPF, and China for their support to the process, and affirmed the importance to continue their support until the desired outcome of the revitalization of the ARCSS is achieved.
The AU, IGAD and UN reaffirmed their continued and collective commitment in the search for lasting peace, security and stability in the South Sudan.