The IGAD-Plus is discussing the draft compromise document that South Sudan warring parties are expected to negotiate on and sign.

At a meeting of the IGAD-Plus that kicked off today in Addis Ababa, members of the IGAD-Plus were presented with the draft compromise document.

Chairperson of the IGAD-Special Envoys, Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin said the delegations of the IGAD-Pus mediation that comprises of IGAD, AU, UN, EU, China, Troika (US, Norway and UK) as well as the five African countries representing the five geographical regions of the continent will deliberate on the proposal in detail.

“What we had to do this morning is that we will project it to you on power point on the main content of the document and would probably, with your consent, adjourn today’s meeting to give an opportunity to the delegations to have a look at the document in detail because we need to discuss it to reflect on it so that tomorrow morning we start discussing the document,” he said.

Amb Seyoum talked of the urgency of ending what he called “senseless war” and urged the South Sudan parties to reach peace for the sake of their people.

He also appealed to the region and the international community not to forsake South Sudan.

The draft compromise document proposes the formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) to be implemented over a period of 33 months.

It also provides for fundamental reforms and transitional governance arrangements negotiated over a period of fourteen months.

The draft compromise document also provides for the incumbent government to retain the majority in the national parliament, positions of the President and Vice President and 53% of the ministerial portfolios.

According to the draft compromise document, 33% of the power at the national level would go to the SPLM/A (IO) while the rest 14% would be shared by other political parties and former detainees.