Addis Ababa, December 31, 2022 (FBC) – Taking the intertwined fate into account, South Sudan is delighted for Ethiopia to cease the two-year conflict in negotiation, the country’s ambassador said, adding that the East African region is the direct beneficiary of the truce.
In an exclusive interview with EPA, South Sudanese Ambassador to Ethiopia James Pitia Morgan stated that Ethiopia’s peace has immense benefits for the stability of the turbulent East Africa. “The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) which the government and TPLF signed in Pretoria and Nairobi is not only in the interest of the people of Ethiopia but also in the interest of the whole region.”
Ambassador Morgan further highlighted that the restoration of peace and stability in Ethiopia, the most populous and economic powerhouse of East Africa, has also enormous benefits to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the regional body.
“When there is a problem in one member state, the situation affects the entire region and the implementation of our programs and aspirations including the free movement of people and economic and political integration. Our vision to prosper will be put aside whenever there is a problem in the region.”
Commenting on Ethiopia’s role in South Sudan’s peace, he indicated that the former has a longstanding role in helping his country to sustainably resolve internal problems through peaceful means. “Ethiopia has got a very important role in supporting us to resolve our internal problems peacefully and to shun war. We have seen that on many occasions when South Sudan has encountered problems, Ethiopia is always there.”
Ambassador Morgan continued: “Starting from the time of Emperor Haileselassie I, we always make sure that any problem in South Sudan is brought to Ethiopia to find the solution. So when the north Ethiopia conflict broke out, the first leader in the region who called for peace was my President SalvaKiirMayardit.”