South Sudan ‘bleeding’ as transition period nears end
South Sudan’s neighbours are worried that the country is “still bleeding” from communal fights as the term of its transitional government nears an end.
The East African body, Igad, said a peace deal signed in 2020 is facing challenges, including unresolved issues on the writing of a new constitution and preparations for fresh elections.
“Igad as a region cannot be at peace when South Sudan is shedding blood. I would really like to appeal to the international community to stand with the people of South Sudan in supporting the peace process,” Igad Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismail Wais told diplomats in the capital, Juba.
It was hoped the transitional government formed after the peace deal would bring an end to conflict that has killed hundreds and thousands and displaced millions.
It’s term ends next year, paving way for elections.
Early this month, President Salva Kiir announced that election would be held without conducting a census, something his former rival, Riek Machar, now the first vice president, has opposed.
Mr Machar said elections could only be conducted after a unified national army was formed, a new constitution written, census conducted and millions of refugees in neighbouring countries allowed to return home to vote in the elections.
source: bbc
