By Henry Okurut
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development is taking the lead in restoring calm, harmony and peace in South Sudan.
A meeting of Heads of State has been scheduled for Wednesday with the situation that appears to be fragile in the World’s youngest Nation topping the agenda.
This follows tensions reported to be running seriously high after an opposition-linked militia overran an army base loyal to President Salva Kiir in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state.
It is reported that on 4th March, 2025, a Nuer militia with ties to Riek Machar, a former rebel leader who is now first vice president, captured an army base in Nasir, a major town on the South Sudan-Ethiopia border.
This has since attracted retaliation from Government leading to what is now seen by Regional Leaders as a dangerously fragile situation requiring urgent intervention.
This is what has prompted IGAD to call for an urgent meeting of its Member Countries represented by their Heads of State.
According to a press release, a copy of which Factual News has obtained, the 43rd Extra Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Governments on South Sudan will be conducted virtually.
“IGAD as the guarantor of the Revitalized Agreement remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting dialogue, de-escalating tensions and securing a peaceful future for the People of South Sudan”, Partly reads the press release.
For now, tensions in the capital Juba remain reportedly high following the alleged arrest of several of Machar’s top allies in response to developments in Nasir.
This, analysts say is threatening the fragile unity government formed under a 2018 peace deal that temporarily ended the country’s five-year civil war at the time.
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