Radio Miraya
2739: High-Level Mediation for South Sudan in Nairobi: Chief mediator, Gen. Lazarus Sumbeiywo
Thank you. Thank you. Your excellencies, head of telecommunications, our partners, distinguished delegates, members of the fourth estate. Ladies and gentlemen, I'm told that if you say all protocols are observed, then you are kept out of the hook. So all protocols have been observed. I want just to regret your understanding. Remember those who lost their lives in the 41 years, in the 41 years, when the first bullet was fired in order. We may be seated. On behalf of the Secretariat of the high level mediations, mediation for South Sudan, the too many initiative. I welcome all of you to the signing of the declaration of commitment by the parties to convey the renewed, convey the renewed mindset. And my interpretation is that a positive energy here should be honest to address the longstanding divisions and conflicts in the republic of South Sudan. There is a never be better opportunity to commit to the next phase that now. All of us are here today. I'm aware of the difficult road to peace since December 2013, but the first conflict. We started in Japan, which was only two years after gaining independence in July 2011 through a referendum. Since then, several efforts were initiated by eager partners resulting in two agreements. The agreement on the resolution of the conflict in the republic of South Sudan, RC, SS, and revitalize agreement on the resolution of the conflict in the republic of South Sudan. 2016 and 2018 respectively. However, only minimal progress towards peace has been realized and conflict still persists. It is you here today, honorable delegates, who hold the greatest responsibility to lead in finding a permanent solution for your country. My job to you is that this can only be if you negotiate in good faith and in a sustained and continuous manner. In peace in place. It will trigger the capacity of your people to participate in the affairs of your country in gluten, growing their own food in other developments. And today is just one step towards that direction. I wish to also acknowledge that we have also realized an opportunity step towards peace and energy blowing by the features that the process is inclusive. Connectorized by having the incentives from the transitional government of national unity, opposition groups, civil society groups, other stakeholders, including women, youth, religious leaders, and academia, among others. We in the mediation are looking after you to use the positive energy to interpret and progress these commitments you signed today and make them really answers as to what is the root cause of this endemic problem in your country. We have a very strongly that you have the ideas and resources that can lead to the solution that will transform your country. I am encouraged by the united spirit of collegiality and continuous and sustained negotiation, which has galvanized every available energy to spark and create hope to the people of South Sudan, the region and beyond. I want to assure the parties that the world, if, will not be an operational world, it is when. And we want to know when, but not the word if, because it will not be lived. It is not going to happen. It is going to happen. Thank you very much.