Presidents Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea and Salva Kiir of South Sudan have reiterated their dedication to achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan through an inclusive dialogue.
South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, James Morgan Pitia, hailed President Kiir’s successful mission to Kenya, where he participated in the African Climate Week and Summit 2023.
Pitia stated, “The President’s attendance was a significant success for our country and the region. South Sudan was actively represented in all discussions and decisions.” He emphasized that the summit provided an opportunity for Kiir to meet with regional leaders and discuss various topics, including peace, security, economics, and political developments.
During sideline discussions at the summit, President Kiir engaged with President Afwerki of Eritrea, where they updated each other on various matters, including the situation in Sudan. Pitia noted that President Afwerki reiterated his commitment to the resolutions of the summit in Egypt and the ministerial meeting in Chad.
Pitia emphasized that peaceful dialogue is the only way to achieve peace in Sudan, and regional leaders have unanimously supported this approach. They have agreed to coordinate their efforts, consult with organizations like the African Union and the United Nations, and align initiatives to establish a unified approach to ending the conflict in Sudan.
“Eritrea and South Sudan remain steadfast in their support for these initiatives,” Pitia affirmed.
Furthermore, discussions between the two leaders included enhancing the role of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in facilitating the peace process in Sudan. They also explored involving various groups, such as civil society, religious leaders, women, professional associations, and trade unions, in the peace-building efforts.
Both Eritrea and South Sudan are members of IGAD, a regional organization working to mediate an end to the armed conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict, involving rival factions of Sudan’s military government, began on April 15, 2023, primarily centred around Khartoum and the Darfur region.