AU considers sanctioning peace obstructers

[Elisabeth Janaina]

AU considers sanctioning peace obstructers
Hellen Achayo | September 22, 2017 | 5:04 pm
SPLA soldiers patrol an area in the Upper Nile region in 2016 | Photo
| Bior Arem/Facebook

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union says it will take
possible measures, including sanctions against those who obstruct the
peace process in South Sudan.

Earlier this month, the United States sanctioned two senior military
leaders and a minister for allegedly obstructing the peace process.

“The AU Commission should urgently elaborate possible measures and
submit them to Council by December 2017,” partly reads a AUPSC
communiqué.

This was an outcome of its 720th meeting held on Wednesday at the
ministerial level, which was attended by the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Deng Alor.

The council said the steps could ensure effective and efficient
implementation of the peace agreement in order to set the country back
on track to attain peace, security and development.

Revitalization forum

Such measures shall be considered and taken, bearing in mind the
assessment reports of the IGAD-led revitalization process.

The Revitalization Forum was proposed in June to discuss full
implementation of the Peace Agreement and develop a revised and
realistic timelines.

It will also form implementation schedule towards a democratic
election at the end of the transitional period.

In regards to it, the AU peace and Security Council called on the
regional body to “provide an update on the progress made with regard
to the High-Level Revitalization Forum initiative, as soon as
possible.”

This is in order for Council to take appropriate measures in support
of the decisions of the Forum, the communiqué added

Hybrid court

The AUPSC also called on the AU Commission and the transitional
government to urgently conclude the Memorandum of Understanding on the
establishment of the Hybrid Court in accordance with the time lines as
agreed which is by December.

In this context, it calls on the transitional government “to ensure
the timely domestication of the MoU through the Transitional
Legislative Assembly.”

The African Union Peace and Security Council meeting was attended by
the IGAD chairperson, JMEC deputy chairperson and the head of UNMISS.