“I am confident that, you can overcome all the outstanding issues, if you put the interest of the country first. There comes a time in life, where nothing else should not matter more, than to do what is right. I believe the time is now, for all patriots of South Sudan, to rise to the occasion,” H.E. Festus Mogae said in his statement on Thursday.

This came as IGAD called for stern action against violators of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). 

“We cannot, we will not, tolerate any further violations of the Agreement. The IGAD Council of Ministers in March 2018 agreed, “to take targeted sanctions against individual violators,” said Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, the Chairperson of IGAD Council of Ministers. 

“The Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) has now clearly identified those that have violated the agreement. Hence, the Council is ready to submit a proposal to the Summit to approve the actions on targeted sanction,” he said 

He said the regional countries, IGAD “is determined to see that South Sudan, our neighbour, a member of our organization and of the African Union, achieves peace and security.” 

“We are here to encourage and assist. The final responsibility is yours and yours alone. And, yes, it is a heavy responsibility. You must live up to it,” he said.

On his part, the IGAD Special Envoy, H.E. Dr. Ismail Wais, “We all feel the pain and suffering the country is going through, and continue to stand side by the side with you the people of South Sudan. This is because, as a region, we have a moral responsibility and obligation to do so.” 


“The region and the international community continue to support you to resolve the conflict in your country. But you, the South Sudanese, must also reciprocate this goodwill. Our collective role is to facilitate the process that allows you to resolve your political differences and compromise.” 

Meanwhile, on second day, session in ongoing among South Sudanese stakeholders