Dr Mehari Tadelle Maru, a legal consultant on the protocol says that although there are several barriers to free movement, mistrust between member states and trans-boundary resource disputes remain the key barriers. Mehari was speaking on the sidelines of the IGAD high-level experts technical review meeting on the draft protocol at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Gen Katumba Wamala says it was agreed that Uganda and Sudan are not included as part of the regional protective force, whose mandate is to protect civilians and also back the reinstatement of Machar, in line with the implementation of the August 2015 peace agreement signed by the two principles.
Countries sharing water resources can avoid conflict if they cooperated. Uganda according to Commissioner in Charge of Water Regulation, Dr. Tindimugaya has chosen to cooperate with neighbors with whom its shares rivers and lakes.
The statement explains that Konare\'s experience and commitment to pan Africanism will be a major asset in the search for a solution to the conflict that is tearing South Sudan apart.
Although a number of agreements have been achieved, the few remaining issues are critical that require the parties at the level of the Principals to make bold decisions to save the lives of the people and the nation without further delay. Some issues of contention include disagreements over power-sharing and division of power between President Salva Kiir and the would-be Prime Minister to be nominated by the rebel group.
“This session of negotiations must make progress; we must end the war,\" chief mediator Seyoum Mesfin stated. He said that if war continues \"it will have serious consequences\" and added: \"Those that insist on continued fighting must be held accountableâ€.
