US strongly condemns failure of South Sudan peace talks

March 7, 2014 (JUBA) – The United States has strongly condemned what it described as lack of political leadership to resolve South Sudan’s conflict, despite pledges from the warring parties.

“Along with the many friends and partners of South Sudan, we continue to work closely with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in its efforts to bring an end to this senseless conflict,” said Marie Harf, the US Department deputy spokesperson.

South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir and opposition leader, Riek Machar on Friday failed to agree on a permanent peace deal, despite pledging to end the conflict that has killed thousands and displaced nearly two million people since it broke out in 2013.

“The conflict in South Sudan is a tragedy for its people”, stressed the statement, which cited the millions of people displace in the country’s worsening security crisis.

“The entire region is facing economic, security, and humanitarian costs from this conflict. There is no excuse for further fighting, and we will ensure that those who commit acts of violence—or otherwise undermine efforts toward peace—are held accountable,” it added.

Failure in the negotiations mediated by the East African regional bloc (IGAD) came days after the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution calling for sanctions in South Sudan.

“We thus look forward to the UN Security Council’s planned review of the situation, as called for by Resolution 2206, which the Security Council passed unanimously this week,” further reads the statement.

The US, however, vowed to work with its Troika partners to support vigorous efforts for ending the conflict. It also pledged to work with IGAD, the African Union, and other international partners to urgently seek a way forward in view of the violence in South Sudan.

“We must speak with one voice, making clear our collective resolve to assist the South Sudanese people in ending this tragedy,” the statement said.

(ST)