Horndiplomat-The 64th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers which took place in Khartoum on the 9th of August 2018 deliberated on issues that should be dealt with to prepare a full document of a Comprehensive Revitalized ARCSS based on the yearlong HLRF Peace Process and the Agreement on the outstanding Issues of Governance and Security Arrangement signed by the South Sudanese Parties on the 5th of August 2018 in Khartoum.
A Delegation led by H.E. Hirut Zemene, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia partook in the 64th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of IGAD.
In her statement, H.E Hirut Zemene, representing the Chair of the IGAD Council of Ministers, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, has noted the very crucial role played by the IGAD Council in conducting consecutive High Level Revitalization Forums (HLRF), to accomplish the mandate given to it by the IGAD Summit of 12 June 2017.
She also noted the significance of the shuttle diplomacy and proximity talks conducted by the Council Members and the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan and his Task Force that greatly contributed to the success of the results gained in the Peace Process that precipitated in a historic agreement signed in Khartoum on the 5th of August 2015. She noted the important base set by the Council in its “bridging proposal” for showing the road map to peace and reconciliation.
During the session H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Dirdiri, Minister on of Foreign Affairs of the Sudan has expressed appreciation for the convening of the Council Session at a short span since the Signing Ceremony for the Agreement on the outstanding Issues on Governance and Security Arrangements of chapters I &II of the ARCSS in Khartoum. He also gave account of the mediation done by Sudan following the responsibility given to Sudan and H.E President Omar Al-Bashir by the decision of the IGAD 32nd Extra-Ordinary Summit of 21st June 2018.
The Council has deliberated and agreed on a draft matrix prepared by the IGAD Special Envoy for S Sudan, Amb Ismail Wais on the way forward in dealing with remaining items.
The opening session was attended by partners including the AU, the UN, EU, IPF, China and Troika in addition to the Council Members.
As per the agreement of the IGAD Council, the mediation effort will continue in Khartoum till the 19th of August. 2018. According to Ethiopian Foreign Ministry
