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{
    "id": 677831,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/677831/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 44,
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    "content": "The Republic of South Sudan attained their Independence from the Sudan on 9th July 2011 following a referendum as provided for by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Army (SPLA) and the Government of Sudan on 9th January 2005. However, the country plunged into a political crisis in December 2013 when violent conflict broke out between SPLA forces loyal to the President Salva Kiir Mayardit and those loyal to the Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. Immediately, IGAD Heads of States and Government initiated a process to resolve the crisis in South Sudan. The IGAD-led South Sudan Peace talks resulted in the signing of agreements for the resolution of the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan on 26th August, 2015. With the support of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the international community, the implementation of the peace agreement has been progressing at a sluggish pace largely due to lack of trust and goodwill, naming the parties to the conflict. Mr. Speaker, Sir, on Friday, 7th July, 2016, fierce fighting erupted in Juba near the State House where His Excellency the President Salva Kiir was meeting with first Vice President and His Excellency, (Dr.) Machar. Immediately, the crisis broke up. His Excellency President Uhuru engaged with the leadership of South Sudan urging them to do everything within their powers to end the senseless fighting and restore calm. The Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs initiated engagement with her South Sudan counterpart to see his commitment on the safety of Kenyans as well as our staff in the mission in Juba. Mr. Speaker, Sir, further consultations with IGAD Foreign Ministers were intensified with the view to persuading the leadership of South Sudan to immediately stop hostilities and resolve their differences through peaceful means. This culminated into the convening of the Extra-Ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers on 11th July, 2016. Meanwhile, our Embassy in Juba continues to provide situational reports and evacuation plan which remain vital in decision making. The fighting between the South Sudanese Army and the opposition forces of the SPLA, however, continued into Sunday10th July, 2016 leading to over 270 fatalities. Both sides traded accusation of instigating the new spate of violence. At the same time, the two principals each unilaterally announced a ceasefire leading to an uneasy calm which continues to date. Mr. Speaker, Sir, having provided this background information, allow me to respond to the specific questions raised and directed to the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations. First is on the steps being taken by the Government of Kenya to evacuate Kenyans living in South Sudan. With the brief calm in Juba, many Kenyans sought refuge in our Mission. The number continued to rise due to the fragility of the situation in the country. Mr. Speaker, Sir, on 12th July, 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote a note verbalé to the Government of South Sudan as well as their Mission in Nairobi seeking assurance for safety of Kenyans in the country as well as safe passage for those intent on leaving the country. On 13th July, 2016, our Ambassador in Juba met with the Foreign Minister, Hon. Deng’, who assured him of the safety of Kenyans. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate"
}