The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, or UNMISS says the ongoing fighting in some parts of the country between the government and IO Thomas Cyrilo, is disappointing.
Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, David Shearer reports that there is tension and clashes in some parts of the country, including Yei.
‘With regards to Thomas Cyrilo return on the peace process, it is important to realize that the fighting that is going on between Cyrilo and the government and IO is disappointing and tragic factor outside the peace process. We need to continue to have those negotiations going on. What we shouldn’t do, is get completely destructed on that and forget about the overall peace process {revitalized peace agreement} that is continuing’ Shearer advised.
He calls for efforts to work with the government and the opposition to ensure that the pre-transitional period ends with a transitional government.
Shearer says Thomas Cyrilo has some redlines, including federalism that need to be included in the peace process and Paul Malong is willing to engage in the process.
‘On the issue of the meetings of people outside, my understanding is that the envoy has had meetings with Thomas Cyirilo and Paul Malong. I haven’t seen any traumatic change on the position. I understand Poul Malong is interested in coming back in engaging. But the position of Cyrilo still have some redlines that he would like to see in the peace process’ he said.
The UNMISS chief talks about the report of CTSAM that talks about the recruitment of forces going on in some parts of the country which is against the principles of the peace process.
‘This recruitment going on in different parts of South Sudan, Bhar El Ghazal is one of them, Warap and Lakes is not in line with the principles of the peace process. Recruitment is not what we want to be doing now. It increases the possibility of violence’.
Shearer says it is critical that IGAD continues to play a robust and active role in the months ahead.