12 January 2015 - Women seeking shelter in the UNMISS protection site in Bentiu, Unity State, today called for representation of their views at the peace in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

“Since peace talks started in Addis Ababa no one has called for our representation,” said Lubna Abdul Ghadi, a woman representative of internally displaced people (IDPs). “It is important to include our views because women in the (protection sites) are the most affected group by this conflict.”

Ms. Ghadi contended that the peace talks are not bearing fruit because the real people affected by the conflict are not involved.

“We only hear on radio about the peace talks but we are not involved,” she said. “Those who are benefiting from this conflict are the ones taking part. That is why peace is not coming because they are not interested in peace.”

Ms. Ghadi said that continued adjournment of peace talks and long breaks for consultations cause the women immense pain.

“For peace now to prevail in South Sudan is only by the will of God,” she added. “What I have seen is that there is no peace because there is no pressure from international community that could force the warring parties to negotiate in good faith and bring peace.”

The women’s representative appealed to warring parties to reconcile and bring peace to the country to end suffering of civilians.

“Brothers can disagree and fight but in the end they reconcile,” said Ms. Ghadi. “Enough is enough. We need this year to be the year of peace.”

Yan Gatyang, a member of IDP Council of Elders, urged parties to the conflict to negotiate in the spirit of the nation, noting that there would be no peace without love for the nation.

“We are tired of being in the (protection sites),” he said. “The two warring parties should be given moment of direct talks. Let us forget the past and open a new chapter.”

Samuel Reech, another member of the Council of Elders, said the war has interrupted the country’s development and destroyed existing infrastructure.

He appealed to the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to punish any party violating the peace agreement or blocking the peace process.

“See the condition we are in. Nobody wants to be here. We had our houses. We were working. We had our business running, but now all have gone,” said Mr. Reech. “IGAD should take draconian measure against any party violating peace agreement or obstructing peace process.”