The African Union Commission (AUC) has revealed a plan to deploy a high-level mediation team to South Sudan amid escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
According to the statement extended to the Media, the AU office in Juba, revealed that the delegation will land in Juba today.
“The AU mission in South Sudan presents (AUMISS) its compliments to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), office of the special representative of the UN Secretary General (SRSG) in the Republic of South Sudan and has Honor to inform about the visit of AU Pannel of the wise to the Republic of South Sudan from 02 to 06 April” the statement partly read.
The Pannel is expected to meet President Salva Kiir as well as other Vice Presidents as part of seeking for necessary Avenues to deescalate the ongoing tension in some parts of the country.
“While in the country the Pannel will meet with President Salva Kiir President of the Republic of South Sudan and engage with key stakeholders including the Vice Presidency” it read.
According the statement, the Pannel will discuss several critical matters around the peace agreement such as implementation of the pending tasks in the 2018 peace agreement.
In a statement from Addis Ababa on Monday, Mr Youssouf expressed “solidarity with the Government and people of South Sudan,” reaffirming the African Union’s “unwavering commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace.”
Mr Youssouf warned that the current crisis risks undermining years of regional peace efforts, urging all parties to comply with the R-ARCSS.
“The AU calls on all parties to uphold all the provisions of R-ARCSS and ensure its full implementation,” he said
The Panel of the Wise is a conflict prevention body made up of senior African elders and states members.
The house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar has created deep worries as many think it may derail the 2018 peace accord signed by parties in South Sudan.
Recently First Vice President (FVP) Dr. Riek Machar called on the international community to intervene as 2018 peace agreement faces challenges.
