IGAD boss Dr Gebeyehu in official visit of South Sudan

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) executive secretary, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu on Wednesday arrived in Juba, South Sudan to begin his two-day official visit of the country.

The visit, according to IGAD is in line with its facilitative role towards implementing the Revitalised Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Gebeyehu was received by the South Sudanese deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohammed Abdallah.

He is expected to hold talks, as well as meeting with various entities in South Sudan, including the Presidency, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He will also meet leaders and representatives of the Trilateral Mechanism, the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and IGAD.

The Authority insisted that it is committed to supporting the country as it works to build on its aspirations.

"IGAD, in partnership with other stakeholders, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting South Sudan as a member state in pursuit of the country’s social, political, economic and broader development aspirations.

"Together, we are poised to safeguard and fortify the anticipated advancement engendered by the revitalised peace agreement while we nurture an environment conducive to sustained stability and developmental progress throughout South Sudan," the Authority said on Wednesday.

The Revitalised Agreement for Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan prescribes essential tasks necessary for advancing solid democracy and sustainable political transition in the country.

It was signed on September 12, 2018 to end the 2013-2018 South Sudanese civil war.