“A unanimous agreement for an extension is a positive development” – SRSG David Shearer

The Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has also welcomed the extension of the Pre-Transitional period, describing it as ‘a sign of goodwill between the parties to end the suffering of their people.’ 

David Shearer says it is regrettable that a number of fundamental issues remain unresolved, including the formation of a unified security force and the issue of boundaries and states – but says the extension gives the parties more time to achieve the benchmarks agreed upon and make peace a reality.

The six-month extension was resolved on Friday during a meeting of party leaders convened by IGAD in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia.

Speaking at the IGAD sponsored meeting, Mr. Shearer acknowledged the progress made since the signing last September, including an overall reduction in political violence which has potentially saved thousands of lives.

“The resulting ceasefire has also enabled Government and opposition forces to build trust and confidence through the holding of over 100 peace meetings and rapprochements across the country, many of which were facilitated by UNMISS,” he said. 

Mr. Shearer spoke to Irene Lasu in this interview.