In light of these developments, the JMEC intends to resume meetings of its members in Juba as soon as is feasible.

Chairman Festus Mogae met with President Salva Kiir, as well as General Taban Deng and two SPLM/iO members in Juba on 25th July, and the JMEC also continues to make efforts to resume communications with Dr. Riek Machar.

Among the key points discussed during the productive meeting with President Kiir was his willingness to consider the deployment of a regional protection force in accordance with the recommendations of the IGAD Plus Summit and the Summit of African Union Leaders.

“Our only interest is to see a solution that promotes peace and a return to normality as well as security in South Sudan” said Chairman Mogae, emphasising that JMEC’s mandate demands that it remains balanced and impartial in all matters.

There has been considerable debate in Juba as to whether recent developments are in line with the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS). The Chairman has decided that, due to the complexity of the issues involved, this is a matter that should be considered and deliberated upon by the JMEC members, both the South Sudanese and our International Partners.

Meanwhile the Chairman continues to consult with regional leaders and international partners and has thus met with the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the United Nations and other concerned parties to discuss the political impasse at this sensitive and difficult time for South Sudan.

On 26th of July Chairman Mogae had further meetings with IGAD Chairperson, H. E. Haile Mariam Desalegn, to discuss the latest developments and the way forward for South Sudan. Over the next week the Chairman plans further high level discussions before making representations in front of the United Nations Security Council in August.