Press Release N.017/ 2014

Erastus Mwencha to the South Sudanese parties’: The African Union will assist you, but the solution is between your hands

Addis Ababa 11 February 2014 - The African Union Commission’ s Deputy Chairperson, Mr Erastus Mwencha, in the opening of the second round of peace talks, session of the peace talks, held in addis Ababa on the 11th February 2014 expressed the readiness of African Union (AU) to provide the necessary assistance in the commencement of the broad and inclusive dialogue appealing all South Sudanese parties to provide the necessary leadership in placing the interest of their young country above narrow political considerations.

Speaking on behalf of the AUC Chairperson, Mwencha welcomed the resumption of the talks, and mentioned that the AU is encouraged to note that both parties are making diligent efforts to fulfill the commitments they entered into following of the two agreements on session of hostilities and the status of the detainees signed in Addis Ababa on 23 January 2014. “I welcome the release of seven detainees and hope that the process required for the release of the remaining four will be expedite so as to allow them join their brothers and sisters in these talks” Mwencha said.

The African Union Commission’ s Deputy Chairperson underscored that the AU, in partnership with IGAD, will continue to provide the necessary assistance in the political dialogue noting meanwhile, that “the opportunity, the will and the responsibility for finding such a solution which are here today are in the hands of South Sudanese”.
Ethiopian Prime Minister and current Chairman of the East Africa regional bloc (IGAD),

Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn attend the opening of peace talks in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian foreign minister and the AU representative, the three mediator and South Sudan government as well as rebel chief negotiators.

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