Troika nations demand release of AU report on South Sudan
February 7, 2015 (JUBA) – Members of the Troika nations have demanded the release of the African Union Commission of inquiry on South Sudan report, saying publication of the inquiry’s findings and its recommendations on accountability are necessary to ensure that such violence against civilians cannot be undertaken with impunity.
The Troika members expressed disappointment after South Sudan leaders failed to reach a comprehensive deal at the recent peace talks.
South Sudan’s leader, Salva Kiir and armed opposition leader, Riek Machar inked an agreement on the proposed Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) last week in Addis Ababa.
The Troika nations, however, expressed disappointment that South Sudan’s leaders failed to achieve significant progress toward a final peace agreement, after the last round of peace talks mediated by the East African regional bloc (IGAD) in Ethiopia.
“Ignoring the untold suffering of their people, South Sudan’s leaders have refused to make the necessary compromises to reach a peace agreement for the people of South Sudan who deserve and expect nothing less,” says the 6 February statement.
“We call on the parties to fully respect the Cessation of Hostilities agreement of January 23, 2014, and avoid all further violence,” it adds.
Over a year of conflict in the young nation has seen millions displaced and tens of thousands killed in its worst outbreak of violence since seceding from Sudan in 2011.
They urged the parties to return to negotiations on 19 February prepared to compromise to achieve a peace agreement by 5 March and form a transitional government by 1 July.
(ST)