Key Highlights
- South Sudan President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar are expected to sign the final deal on Monday 17th August evening.
- South Sudanese government announced on Sunday readiness to sign a revised version of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
- The government said it would only sign to a peace deal in a version which the regional leaders agreed in Kampala.
- Rebel forces on their part will only agree to a peace version made in Addis Ababa.
Summary
There are two versions of the peace deal that is aimed to strike a balance for the warring forces behind South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.
Diplomatic analysis of the Kampala version unveils revised controversial issues including the provision which gives the rebels under Riek Machar majority stake in the management and control of the resources and affairs of the conflict affected states of Upper Nile region.
On the other hand, it is the Addis Ababa proposal of 24 July which the rebel forces seem quite comfortable with.
IGAD has maintained the power-sharing arrangement with former vice-president Riek Machar, the demilitarization of capital Juba, and the reintegration of defected military units.
Forecast
In the event that South Sudan warring forces maintain their stern conditions in signing the peace deal, the US 17th August deadline is likely to be operational that implies sanctions to the key players in the conflict, both the government and the opposition.
