The Executive Secretary of IGAD H.E. Ambassador (Eng.) Mahboub M. Maalim announced the beginning of formal negotiations among South Sudanese parties today. He said the decision follows two-days of extensive proxy talks that sought to understand key issues as well as agree on agenda items and modalities for negotiations.
He stated that the two-days of talks were marked by positive engagement of the negotiating teams. This is in line with the call made by the IGAD Summit of Heads of State and Government on 27 December 2013, for dialogue and a speedy resolution of the crisis through peaceful means.
Ambassador Maalim stated that negotiations will focus on two agenda items:
Cessation of hostilities; and
The Question of detainees
Ambassador Maalim additionally commended the work of IGAD Special Envoys
Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin of Ethiopia and Gen. Lazarus Sumbeiywo of Kenya as well as the continued resolve and strong support by IGAD Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Dr. Tedros Adhanom, and Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya Ambassador Amina Mohammed in facilitating the mediation process.
Ambassador Maalim also expressed IGADʼs confidence and that of the Special Envoys that the negotiations will bear fruit and ensure a speedy return to normalcy, peace, and stability in South Sudan.
Issued on 4 January 2014, Addis Ababa