Peace Deal Opens Way for Transitional Administration in South Sudan

World Today

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and rebel Chief Riek Machar have signed a peace deal in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa. Under pact the parties commit themselves to cessation of hostilities within the next 24 hours and the commencement of a process to form a transitional government. CCTV’s Girum Chala has this story. 

Peace Deal Opens Way for Transitional Administration in South Sudan

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and rebel Chief Riek Machar have signed a peace deal in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa. Under pact the parties commit themselves to cessation of hostilities within the next 24 hours and the commencement of a process to form a transitional government. CCTV's Girum Chala has this story.

After almost six months of bloodletting and destruction, the warring South Sudanese parties appear to have become the wiser. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his former Vice President turned rebel leader, Riek Machar put ink to paper for a deal that is hoped to bring an end to fighting and open the channels for an all-inclusive transitional administration.

And when the time to exchange the documents came, there was no shaking of hands between Kiir and Mechar, which perhaps is an indication of the frosty relations between the two political heavyweights. Many construe this to mean that the deal might not just be water tight. In their remarks though, the two expressed their commitment to honoring the deal.

Salva Kiir, South Sudanese president, says: “If we continue to work according to what we have signed, yes, this bleeding will stop. Nobody will again open fire on another person.”

Riek Machar, Chair of SPLM/A, in opposition, says: “By me signing today This agreement I’m sending the signal that this conflict must be ended peacefully.”

Both sides took their time before signing the agreement. And according to the document until a permanent cease fire agreement is signed they are expected to silence their guns and cease hostilities. Opening of humanitarian corridors to facilitate assistance to hundreds of thousands who fled their homes, some crammed up in UN camps was also covered under the deal.

Hailemariam Desalgn, Ethiopian Prime minister, says: “It’s my hope and expectation that the parties will remain true to the letter and spirit of this agreement experience shows that we need to e courageous. Spoilers must not be allowed to derail this process at all.”

Many say the signing of this peace deal between the two south Sudanese parties is just a beginning of a long journey. The onus is on Kiir and Machar to ensure its implementation sooner than later.