The measures, H.E Festus said include an inclusive political process which brings together all Parties and estranged groups, a cessation of all hostilities and a renegotiated permanent ceasefire that includes all armed groups and Transitional Security Arrangements with robust verification and enforcement mechanisms.

A clear plan of action to address the current dire humanitarian situation and facilitate eventual voluntary return of IDPs and repatriation of refugees, an enforcement mechanism that includes accountability measures for spoilers and violators, specific reforms that ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair elections at the end of a transitional period and a dedicated funding for implementation of the revitalised Peace Agreement must also be put in place, the Chairperson said.

He was speaking during the 21st JMEC Plenary in Juab, on Monday.

Three weeks ago, the Chairperson briefed the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson of IGAD, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, on recent JMEC engagements and the its support to the IGAD Council of Ministers and Special Envoy, Amb. Ismail Wais.

During the engagements, the Chairperson reinforced his One Voice message to the regional countries, and “the need for the region to approach revitalisation unified and with strength of purpose.”

“Collectively, the IGAD Heads of State must prevail over the South Sudanese leadership to rethink the current trajectory of the country and take the necessary steps to restore peace and inclusive governance,” he said.