Mbeki, Obasanjo discuss solutions to S. Sudan's conflict

September 8, 2014 (JUBA) - Former South African president, Thabo Mbeki and his Nigerian counterpart, Olusegun Obasanjo said the solution to South Sudan’s current crisis was within the reach of its people, but that this required an active supportive role from the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU) and the broader international community

Former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo (L) and South Africa’s former president Thabo Mbeki (AU photo)

Obasanjo currently heads the AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan (AUCISS) while Mbeki chairs its high level implementation panel on Sudan and South Sudan.

The meeting between the two leaders aimed at ‘providing us an opportunity to receive insight and possible proposals from President Mbeki and the high-level panel, for a lasting solution towards healing, reconciliation, accountability and institutional reform”.

Members of the AUCISS had earlier held nationwide consultations with key stakeholders across the spectrum of the South Sudanese society.

“The two former Presidents engaged in a frank and open manner and they both noted the complementarily of the mandates of the two processes,” the AU said in a statement.

Thousands have been killed and over a million displaced since fighting broke out in South Sudan late last year with aid agencies warning of possible outbreak of famine early next year.

(ST)