RIGHTS COMMISSION PROPOSES IGAD MEDIATION BETWEEN SOUTH SUDAN, SUDAN

South Sudan Human Rights Commission questioned the AU Panel’s impartiality to mediate between South Sudan and Sudan and is asking the AU to invite IGAD to facilitate the talks.

Deputy Chairperson Biel Jock Thich told the press this morning in Juba that IGAD Ð the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Ð mediated the peace agreement between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM and it knows well Sudanese affairs.

He urged the UN and the international community to put pressure on Khartoum’s government to stop bombing civilians in South Sudan and create a buffer zone along the border to allow humanitarian aid to the displace.

Mr Jock said IGAD knows the issues between South Sudan and Sudan unlike the AU’s chief mediator Thabo Mbeki who sided with Khartoum.

He added that AU Panel does not grasp the complexity of the Sudanese reality.

Mr Jock said the East African authority can handle the border issues because they know the territory of South Sudan and Sudan.

Mr Jock urged the international community to create a demilitarized buffer zone between South Sudan and Sudan to offer a breathing space for both governments and allow them to reengage in negotiating outstanding issues.