President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the decision by the South Sudanese political leader Riek Machar to resume participation at the peace talks facilitated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The revitalised peace process to be held at the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa is mediated by East African leaders from Uganda and Kenya.
President Ramaphosa consulted with IGAD leaders on Sunday, who assured him that the peace talks were back on track.
South Sudan descended into war in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his then deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup.
The war has killed thousands and driven nearly four million people from their homes.
The exiled rebel leader Machar who is now based in South Africa, had rebuffed previous attempts to get him to return to the capital Juba, and engage in face to face talks with his rival Kirr.
Presidency spokesperson Khusela Diko said Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to continue supporting the South Sudanese peace mediation efforts.
“President Ramaphosa has been in consultation with Heads of State in various countries involved in the peace process. He has commended them in finding the lasting solution for the peace in South Sudan. It’s for this reason that the President welcomed the participation of Dr. Riek Machar in the peace revitalisation talks in Addis Ababa. He had also reconfirmed South Africa’s commitment to assist the people of South Sudan to achieve the lasting peace and development.”
SOUTH SUDAN rebel leader Riek Machar arrives at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopia from South Africa, ahead of the meeting arranged by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with the aim of bridging gaps between Dr. Machar and President Salva Kiir. Photo: Courtesy pic.twitter.com/0ZtkRaZCqD
— Allan Olingo (@allanolingo) June 20, 2018
