S. Sudan’s rival leaders reiterate commitment to peace
February 6, 2015 (JUBA) – The United Nations assistant secretary-general, Ivan Simonovic, said South Sudan’s rival leaders assured him of their commitment to end the ongoing conflict.
“What was striking is that Bentiu and Malakal are destroyed cities. During the day there is some life, but during night they become ghost cities because people, almost all civilians, return to our protection-of-civilians sites,” he said on Friday.
“There are over 50,000 in Bentiu and over 20,000 in Malakal. Of course we shall continue to protect people on our protection sites. However, it is essential to push for peace, this situation is not sustainable. If there is any common message coming from everyone, be they women or men, young or old, Nuer or Dinka, it was that people want peace,” he added.
Simonovic said he met both rebel leader Riek Machar and South Sudanese president Salva Kiir in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa and Juba respectively during his visit.
“I was encouraged about their messages, that they will be pushing for peace and justice and I hope it will materialise soon,” the senior UN official said.
Thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced since fighting started in December 2013. Peace talks between government and the rebels will resume later this month after it was adjourned for consultations by mediators from the East African regional bloc (IGAD).
(ST)