Peace talks extended to allow security agreements

The ongoing peace talks in South Sudan were extended until Thursday to allow the warring factions to hear about security and governance issues after successful talks in Entebbe, Uganda. in the Sudanese capital Khartoum.

However, the ultimate success of peace in this war-torn country may depend on the inclusion of refugees in the peace process, according to an badysis by Tsion Tadesse Abebe, senior researcher on migration, Institute of Security. "South Sudanese refugees, both men and women, can contribute positively to the ongoing search for peace, mainly because of their experiences in exile, living alongside different ethnic groups," Abebe said in an article published by ISS .

"Their experiences often allow them to adapt to differences and can help change their attitudes and encourage their compatriots to interact even with perceived enemies."

July 9 marks the seventh anniversary of the independence of South Sudan. The conflict has left hundreds of thousands dead and wounded and millions displaced in the biggest humanitarian crisis in Africa

Clashes between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir of the Dinka ethnic group. and his rival – the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement – the opposition of former Nuer tribe vice-president Riek Machar (SPLM-IO) – triggered the first conflict in 2013.

In June, Kirr and Machar signed the Khartoum Peace Agreement – followed by accusations of violations by both parties

To revive the 2015 peace agreement, the High-Level Revitalization Forum led by the Intergovernmental Authority for the development was created in December 2017, with meetings in February and May 2018.

The importance of the forum, according to Abebe, is its inclusivity that has encouraged various stakeholders, including refugees, to participate.

"The leaders of South Sudan must inherit ethnic differences and focus on finding a common ground that can lead to a ceasefire and peace-building in the country. country, "said Mr. Abebe.-ANA