The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is preparing to hold the 43rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, to tackle the worsening situation in South Sudan. The summit, which will be conducted virtually, comes at a critical time as tensions rise between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, threatening the delicate peace agreement they share.
IGAD, which has played a key role as a guarantor of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting dialogue, easing tensions, and securing lasting peace for the country.
“IGAD remains dedicated to facilitating dialogue, preventing further escalation, and working towards a peaceful future for the people of South Sudan,” the regional group said in a statement. Recent violence has raised alarms about the stability of the peace deal, with fears that renewed fighting could push the nation back into conflict.
President Kiir has called for calm, assuring citizens that South Sudan will not return to war. However, tensions remain high, and the situation remains volatile. One alarming incident occurred last Friday when a United Nations helicopter evacuating members of the national army was attacked, resulting in several casualties, including the death of a crew member.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation from the international community, with calls for urgent action to prevent further deterioration of the security situation. The upcoming IGAD summit is expected to bring together regional leaders to discuss how to prevent a full-scale crisis, strengthen the peace process, and ensure that the terms of the R-ARCSS are fully implemented.
The outcome of the summit will be crucial in determining the next steps towards ensuring sustainable peace in South Sudan
