What role are East African nations playing in the South Sudan peace process?

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East African Nations Urge Against Further Delays in South Sudan's Power-Sharing Government Formation

East African nations are strongly advocating for the immediate formation of a power-sharing government in South Sudan, expressing that any further extension of the deadline is neither desirable nor feasible. This stance comes as rival leaders President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar face a critical February 22 deadline to establish the new government, a process that has already seen two previous delays. The eight-member bloc, IGAD, which currently chairs the peace process, has been actively engaging with the South Sudanese leaders to resolve outstanding issues.
IGAD's Stance on Deadline Extensions

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), representing eight East African nations, has clearly communicated that extending the current deadline for forming South Sudan's government is no longer a viable option. This statement underscores the growing impatience within the region regarding the protracted peace process, which has been in place since a peace deal was signed in September 2018. The bloc's position highlights a collective desire to move forward and solidify the gains made in reducing conflict.
Direct Engagement with South Sudanese Leaders

Leaders from neighboring East African countries have been directly involved in discussions with South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, among others, met with the rival South Sudanese leaders on the sidelines of the African Union summit in Ethiopia. This high-level engagement demonstrates the commitment of regional powers to facilitate a resolution to the disputes hindering the formation of the transitional government.
Addressing Contentious Issues Through Summits

A significant point of contention remains the dispute over the number of regional states, which directly impacts the division of power and control within South Sudan. To address this critical issue, a new IGAD summit is being planned. This summit aims to reach a final decision on the contentious matter of regional states, offering a platform for a decisive resolution that has eluded previous negotiations. The organization of this summit signals a concentrated effort to overcome the remaining obstacles to peace.

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What role are East African nations playing in the South Sudan peace process?

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