This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
On July 14, 2020, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Assembly of Heads of State and Government convened a virtual summit to assess the South Sudan peace process and review regional COVID-19 response measures.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who attended the summit, commended the progress made in the South Sudan peace process, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the permanent ceasefire in South Sudan was holding, but cautioned against an increase in communal violence, which could worsen the humanitarian situation in the country.
“If the situation remains unchecked, these seasonal and perennial conflicts could have wider repercussions on the larger security environment,” President Kenyatta said.
He appealed to South Sudanese leaders to work towards strengthening institutions of governance to attain sustainable peace and stability in their country.
On COVID-19, President Kenyatta commended joint response measures adopted by IGAD member states for helping slow down the spread of the virus in the region.
He also spoke about Kenya's election to the UN Security Council, saying the country would carry the aspirations of all member states and prioritize regional and African issues during its tenure.
