sudan
Senior Member
- Oct 17, 2012
- 266
- 11
- 51
The East African region is hopeful that the positive signals from the leaders of the warring factions in South Sudan can be sustained and Africas newest country returned to peace.
Both President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar have of late been consistent in stating their commitment to a peaceful resolution to the political crisis, despite the continued fighting.
The fighters on the ground need positive signals from their leaders so that they can respect the two ceasefire agreement that have both been violated with impunity.
In particular, Dr Machars decision to come out of the bush and tour East African capitals for the sake of consultations is encouraging. Both leaders were ready to hold an informal face-to-face meeting in Nairobi, which failed to take place due to some diplomatic hitches.
Thus the leaders of the warring sides in South Sudan have finally acknowledged that peace cannot be realised without a regional effort. Dr Machar has given his proposals for a lasting peace, indicating that he is now ready for serious engagement.
President Kiir has also accepted the reality that the military option cannot work in the current situation.
Other countries from the region now have the opportunity to ensure that the next round of talks, set for Addis Ababa next week, addresses concrete issues. The time for talk about talks is over as South Sudanese continue to die either from bullets or from hunger.
The only remaining challenge for smooth progress of the negotiation is the continued presence of Ugandan troops in South Sudan, contrary to the January 23 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
The Machar faction continues to perceive Uganda troops as a stumbling block to the peace process, since they believe their presence contributes to Kiirs hardline position.
EAC fiddling funds? Oh no!
Reports that donors are withholding programme-funds to the East African Community due to alleged mismanagement have come as a shock to everyone who holds regional integration close to their hearts.
Donors support nearly 70 per cent of the Communitys programmes.
The Partnership Fund in particular, which is at the heart of the allegations, supports crucial programmes such the implementation of the Common Market Protocol and the Monetary Union Protocol, which are likely to face undue delays. Some donors are already demanding a refund of some $170,000.
The Secretariat must move with speed to provide audited reports to donors to allow the disbursement of the funds that are currently lying idle.
Both President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar have of late been consistent in stating their commitment to a peaceful resolution to the political crisis, despite the continued fighting.
The fighters on the ground need positive signals from their leaders so that they can respect the two ceasefire agreement that have both been violated with impunity.
In particular, Dr Machars decision to come out of the bush and tour East African capitals for the sake of consultations is encouraging. Both leaders were ready to hold an informal face-to-face meeting in Nairobi, which failed to take place due to some diplomatic hitches.
Thus the leaders of the warring sides in South Sudan have finally acknowledged that peace cannot be realised without a regional effort. Dr Machar has given his proposals for a lasting peace, indicating that he is now ready for serious engagement.
President Kiir has also accepted the reality that the military option cannot work in the current situation.
Other countries from the region now have the opportunity to ensure that the next round of talks, set for Addis Ababa next week, addresses concrete issues. The time for talk about talks is over as South Sudanese continue to die either from bullets or from hunger.
The only remaining challenge for smooth progress of the negotiation is the continued presence of Ugandan troops in South Sudan, contrary to the January 23 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
The Machar faction continues to perceive Uganda troops as a stumbling block to the peace process, since they believe their presence contributes to Kiirs hardline position.
EAC fiddling funds? Oh no!
Reports that donors are withholding programme-funds to the East African Community due to alleged mismanagement have come as a shock to everyone who holds regional integration close to their hearts.
Donors support nearly 70 per cent of the Communitys programmes.
The Partnership Fund in particular, which is at the heart of the allegations, supports crucial programmes such the implementation of the Common Market Protocol and the Monetary Union Protocol, which are likely to face undue delays. Some donors are already demanding a refund of some $170,000.
The Secretariat must move with speed to provide audited reports to donors to allow the disbursement of the funds that are currently lying idle.