Intergovernmental Authority for Development or IGAD Chief Mediator described the future of South Sudan as uncertain after one year of political conflict that claimed million lives and forced many to camps within the country and neighbouring countries as refugees.
Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin who was dressing one-year anniversary of South Sudan conflict in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, described war as cruel and that nobody knows the number of people killed in the conflict which created mistrust and suspicion among communities.
He appealed to South Sudanese not to be drawn to return to violence, revenge and destruction and not to be influenced by hatred, rumours and unhelpful rhetoric, calling on the political leaders to put interests of people first.
Ambassador Mesfin expressed IGDA’s commitment to help South Sudanese find meaningful, durable and prosperous peace more than the absence of war, calling on the warring parties not to see violence as the only way to resolve political problems.
The Chief Mediator appreciated the international community for supporting South Sudan peace process, calling on it to intensify its support for IGAD’s efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the young country.
He wished that this Christmas season brings peace to South Sudan, urging the conflicting leaders to ensure that 2014 ends unnecessary suffering of South Sudanese.