From 19 – 26 April 2022 a delegation from the South Sudan Mediation Team (SSMT), led by Hon. Dr. Dhieu Mathok Diing Wol, Minister of Investment in the Revitalized Government of National Unity, Republic of South Sudan, travelled to South Africa for meetings that were hosted by ACCORD, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Dr Vasu Gounden.
The visit to South Africa arises out of the mandate given by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan, for the SSMT to re-launch its mediation efforts towards a comprehensive peace agreement between the armed movements and the Transitional Government of Sudan (TGoS). This timely visit allowed the SSMT and ACCORD to reflect jointly on the various and latest political developments globally, continentally, regionally, and how these relate and impact on the role of the SSMT in Sudan.
While in South Africa, the delegation also had an opportunity to interact with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, as well as senior officials from the Presidency, and the Department of International Relations. In addition, the delegation had an opportunity to meet with former President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone. Further to this, during the weeklong stay in South Africa, the delegation participated in a luncheon discussion hosted by the Royal Norwegian Diplomatic Mission to South Africa.
The deliberations during this visit enabled the SSMT to contemplate re-engagement approaches to all the parties, towards resuming mediation efforts as mandated by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit. These approaches will include information engagements characterised by shuttle diplomacy, quiet consultative discussions, exploratory discussions etc., as well as formal engagements. ACCORD will continue to collaborate with all parties in support of their pursuit for a negotiated settlement in Sudan that brings peace and prosperity to all Sudanese people.
