South Sudan Signed Peace Agreement

South Sudan Signed Peace Agreement: A New Hope for the Country

After years of conflict and violence, South Sudan took a major step towards peace on 12th October 2018 when President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar signed a power-sharing peace agreement in Ethiopia.

The agreement followed several rounds of talks mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African regional bloc. The deal hopes to end a five-year civil war that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.

The peace agreement has several key provisions. First, Kiir will remain as president while Machar will return as the first of five vice presidents. Second, the deal calls for the integration of rebel forces into the government army. Third, the parties agreed to unify the country`s security forces, including the military and police.

The agreement also includes several measures to ensure accountability and respect for human rights. These include setting up a hybrid court to try those responsible for committing crimes during the conflict and a truth and reconciliation commission to promote healing and reconciliation.

The signing of the peace agreement has been met with cautious optimism. Many South Sudanese hope that it will bring an end to the violence and allow refugees and internally displaced persons to return home. The deal has also been praised by the international community, with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres calling it a „positive development.“

However, the road ahead for South Sudan is long and difficult. The country still faces many challenges, including a dire humanitarian crisis and a struggling economy. There are also concerns that the peace agreement may not hold, as previous deals have failed.

To ensure the success of the agreement, all parties must commit to its implementation and work towards addressing the root causes of the conflict. The international community must also continue to support the peace process and provide assistance to those affected by the conflict.

In conclusion, the signing of the peace agreement is a promising step towards ending the five-year conflict in South Sudan. While there are still challenges ahead, the agreement provides hope for a new future for the country and its people. It is now up to all parties involved to ensure its successful implementation.