IGAD says COVID-19 crisis to affect peace implementation
South Sudan First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir look away from the camera during the signing of security arrangement in Khartoum, Sudan (Photo credit: SSNN)
April 13, 2020 (SSNN) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said on Sunday that the ongoing crisis imposed by the coronavirus will affect the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement signed in 2018 and which brought about the current unity government between the signatories.
IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Ismail Wais, said restrictions and interruption of activities are delaying activities, adding that the parties are making plans with the mediators to ensure critical tasks are completed once the pandemic is over.
“We don’t hope for the worst, but we expect that there might be some changes,” the Ambassador said, adding that “the parties are coordinating at the highest level to come up with constructive suggestions on possible adjustments.”
Meanwhile, finance ministers of the IGAD regional grouping have committed to contribute to an emergency fund to support member states deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ministers held a virtual meeting chaired by IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu and adopted a call for action to take steps to minimize disruption of ‘livelihoods, social and economic security’ for the 270 million people of the region.
South Sudan has four confirmed cases of the virus which has killed hundreds of thousands and infected almost two millions around the globe.
The worlds youngest nation whose health system is poor has put down several measures including shutting down it’s airports to international and regional flights as well as its land borders.
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