Kiir and Ladsous discuss security in South Sudan and peace with Sudan

November 5, 2011 (JUBA) — President Salva Kiir Mayadrit has discussed human rights, peace and security in South Sudan, with the new UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous, who dedicated his first trip to Khartoum and Juba where the UN has three operations.

Before the start of his visit to the two east African countries, Ladsous briefed the Security Council twice about the UN peacekeeping force in Abyei and reported that Khartoum and Juba did not redeploy their forces from the disputed region.

In a meeting he held with the vice-president Riek Machar on Thursday, the French diplomat discussed the situation in Blue Nile, South Kordofan and the rebel movements in the newly established country.

Ladsous, who met Kiir on Saturday in Akon Warrap state, reaffirmed UN readiness to support the recently established country of South Sudan in its efforts for security, human rights, peace and democracy.

“I wanted to have an exchange with the President about the general situation to confirm to him that the United Nations are ready, always in all circumstances, to help in building the State, in developing human rights and democracy, and also to help in the relationship between the south and the north,” he said after the meeting.

The UN official who described his meeting with Kiir as constructive said he was keen to hear a first-hand assessment of the challenges facing the UNMISS, UNISFA and UNAMID of Darfur region.

“We have to make progress on the protection of the civilians who find themselves in regions of conflict and violence. We have to push the peace process in Darfur. We have to watch very carefully and encourage Khartoum and Juba to further work on the relationship between the two countries.”

The top United Nations official for peacekeeping operations has visited South Sudan to discuss with the leadership the general security situation in the newly founded independent state and Abyei.

Herve Ladsous discussed on Juba on Thursday met with South Sudan’s Vice President, Riek Machar Teny, and discussed the situations in South Sudan, Abyei, Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile.

In his meeting with South Sudan’s Vice President, Riek Machar Teny, Ladsous discussed the ongoing disarmament process in South Sudan as well as challenges the government faces in the wake of armed rebellions in the region.

According to the Press Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, James Gatdet Dak, the meeting also reiterated the need to fully deploy the 4,200 Ethiopian United Nations peacekeeping forces in Abyei.

This is to provide security and stability which would make it possible for the Abyei refugees to return back to their villages. Only 2700 UN troops are deployed in the areas of Agok, Defra and Abyei town.

On the situation in the two areas of Blue Nile and Nuba Mountains, the Vice President dismissed Khartoum’s allegations that South Sudan supports the rebellions in the two areas, arguing that the SPLM-North and the SPLM in South Sudan were officially disengaged after the referendum for secession this year.

He told the UN official that Khartoum is instead the one creating and supporting militia groups against the government in South Sudan.

Machar however stressed the importance of building good relations with the Republic of Sudan and maintaining security in order to promote free movement and trade along the 2000km common border between the two countries.

The meeting also discussed the implementation of the UN mandate for peace keeping mission in South Sudan and the importance of sensitising the people about it.

(ST)