Today, after weeks of negotiations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a peace agreement has been signed between the delegations of the Government of South Sudan headed by president Salva Kiir and the rebels of the South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army-Cobra faction (SSDM/A-Cobra faction) headed by David Yau Yau.
The negotiations were initiated by three South Sudanese bishops of different church communities. Dutch peace organization PAX has facilitated the process.
On January 30, the parties entered into an Agreement of Cessation of Hostilities enabling the recent negotiations that have now resulted in a peace agreement. This agreement should end the rebellion of the SSDM/A-Cobra faction which began in August 2012. PAX provided conflict mediation expertise and logistical support to the peace initiative of the three bishops. The Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen, ensured financial and political support for this mediation effort.
This agreement is reached at the very moment that the president of South Sudan, Salva Kiir and his former vice president, Dr Riek Machar are expected to have face to face discussions to end the violence in the whole of South Sudan that started on December 15 of last year.
UNMISS chief Hilde Johnson: “I would like to thank the negotiators as well as the religious leaders for their efforts in stopping the violence, bloodshed and suffering of the citizens of Pibor County” she said, commending the Church Mediation Team for facilitating the deal and congratulating the parties for ensuring that peace and stability has prevailed in Greater Pibor County since their dialogue began last year.
Read more on UN News Centre (14/5)
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