South Sudan Crisis: Envoy Urges Nigeria’s Intervention

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The government of and people of South Sudan have called on Nigeria to once again rise to its big brotherly role in Africa and come to her aid in restoring lasting peace in the war-torn country.

The South Sudan Charge de Affairs in Nigeria, Ambassador Riek Puok Riek, made the call on Wednesday during a chat with newsmen in Abuja.

Riek who made the call following the resumption of fresh hostilities in the country’s capital city, Juba, last week, said his country believes in Nigeria’s ability to enthrone peace in South Sudan, adding that Nigeria has contributed greatly in restoring peace to countries in Africa which, at one time or the other, had gone through a similar crisis.

While putting the blame on the rebels of Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) for the recent outbreak of hostilities, the envoy noted that Nigeria’s timely intervention would go a long way in restoring peace as well as restoring confidence in the new administration.

“It is to be noted that the Compromise Peace Agreement (CPA) that was signed between the government of the Republic of South Sudan and the rebels of SPLA-IO was implemented and a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) was formed with the leader of the SPLA-IO becoming the First Vice President of the Republic.

Further details later