S. Sudan government reiterates commitment to end rebellion
May 13, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan government has pledged its full commitment to the ongoing negotiations with rebels, saying it was determined achieve lasting peace.
“The government of the Republic of South Sudan deplores the unnecessary suffering of South Sudanese civilians and is committed to do all it can to improve conditions of its people,” partly reads the embassy’s statement extended to Sudan Tribune.
Government’s response came a day after Washington said it had “credible” reports indicating it was responsible for the recent renewed fighting with rebels in Unity state.
On Wednesday, the US embassy issued a statement condemning the ongoing offensive by the government, saying its office was disturbed by grave human rights abuses in the country, particularly in the areas of Mayom and south of Bentiu.
“The United States is deeply concerned by new reports of heavy fighting in northern state of Unity following a government offensive against opposition forces,” the US embassy said in its strongly-worded statement obtained by Sudan Tribune.
The accusation came after government forces loyal to president Salva Kiir allegedly launched offensives in areas located in the northern part of the world’s youngest nation.
“We call on the government to allow protection actors to inspect sites where violations are alleged to have occurred, to include Nhialdiu, Wathjak, and Nimni,” it stressed.
It said attacks on civilians were unacceptable and would likely deepen and prolong the suffering of South Sudanese, warning of consequences on those committing crimes.
“Those who threaten the peace in South Sudan or violate international humanitarian law must be held accountable,” it said.
The embassy said those atrocities constitute the obstacles in the peace process in violation of the international humanitarian law and called for accountability against any side that committed crimes.
It also called on the two South Sudanese warring parties to put down their weapons and reach a political settlement to end the war.
Also, similar reports from the United Nations and civilians suggested that government forces and the rebels group were responsible for committing atrocities of human rights violations in Guit and Koch.
However, the Juba government said it was committed to working with the international community and that those who commit crimes against civilians be held accountable.
“The government pledges to work closely with the international community to ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes against innocent civilians and humanitarian workers will be held accountable,” stressed the South Sudanese embassy statement.
The Juba government also accused the armed opposition of allegedly violating the cessations of hostilities agreements by destroying oil facilities in Unity state, burning villages, killings and other committing other crimes, but renewed its commitment to protect the country’s territories and citizens by acting in self-defense against aggression.
According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), at least 300,000 civilians have been displaced in the latest round of clashes in Unity state.
Fighting between government forces resumed in the last two weeks in Unity and Upper Nile states, with both warring sides blaming the other for triggering the clashes.
(ST)