South Sudan and UN discuss joint efforts for peace and stability in Sudan

February 21, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudanese President Salva Kiir met with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, to discuss collaborative efforts towards peace and stability in neighbouring Sudan.

According to a statement from the presidential office, the meeting focused on the ongoing crisis in Sudan and preparations for its upcoming elections. Kiir and the visiting UN delegation discussed the peace process and how the international community can support free and credible elections scheduled for December 2024.

South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, James Pitia Morgan, elaborated that the discussions also covered the humanitarian situation in Sudan, the influx of refugees fleeing the conflict, and UN support for South Sudan in hosting these displaced populations.

“We discussed how to work together to ensure peace and stability in Sudan and support the Sudanese refugees here and those still arriving,” Minister Morgan explained. He highlighted the continuous displacement caused by the conflict and the increasing number of refugees crossing into South Sudan daily.

Mr. Lacroix emphasized the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation, the disputed Abyei region, and the refugee influx. He reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting both the elections in South Sudan and restoring peace and stability in Sudan.

The meeting also included the South Sudanese Minister of Presidential Affairs, Minister of Information, and Minister of East African Affairs. The UN delegation later visited Abyei for further discussions with officials and local communities.