The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is set to convene the 43rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, to address the escalating situation in South Sudan.
The virtual summit comes amid rising tensions that threaten the fragile peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. IGAD, which serves as the guarantor of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering dialogue, reducing tensions, and ensuring lasting peace in the country.”
IGAD remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting dialogue, de-escalating tensions, and securing a peaceful future for the people of South Sudan,” the regional bloc stated.Recent clashes have raised concerns over the stability of the peace deal, with fears that renewed fighting could plunge the country back into conflict.
President Kiir has urged calm and reassured citizens that South Sudan will not return to war.In a worrying development, a United Nations helicopter evacuating members of the national army was attacked on Friday, resulting in several casualties, including the death of a crew member.
The incident has drawn condemnation from international stakeholders, who have called for urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.The IGAD summit is expected to bring together regional leaders to discuss ways of averting a full-scale crisis, reinforcing the peace process, and ensuring the implementation of the R-ARCSS. The outcome of the meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps toward sustainable peace in South Sudan.
