Western envoys call for end to conflict in Jonglei
May 18, 2013 (JUBA) – Western diplomats, alarmed by the increasing violence South Sudan’s Jonglei state, have issued a joint statement calling for an end to the conflict in the country’s largest region.
The joint statement, also obtained by Sudan Tribune, bears names of envoys from the US, UK, Canada, The Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Norway and the European Union.
The diplomats, in the 18 May release, said they are “deeply” disturbed by mounting reports of abuse of civilians, including killings, beatings, and looting and destruction of homes and humanitarian facilities.
“We urge all parties – including the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and other state and non- state armed actors – to ensure that all civilians, regardless of ethnic group, are protected during armed conflict,” partly reads the joint statement issued by the US embassy in Juba.
We call on the government to hold accountable those individuals who have committed abuses in Jonglei, including members of the security forces, through transparent judicial processes, it stressed.
They further urged all parties to enable humanitarian space in Jonglei, including ensuring safe and unfettered access for humanitarian workers and United Nations representatives to provide assistance and protection to all affected populations, and to enable all wounded to access medical care.
The worsening situation in Jonglei, the diplomats argued, requires a “political and not a military” solution, further underscoring the need for dialogue between all parties to begin at once.
“We commend the government of the Republic of South Sudan for its recent offer of amnesty to South Sudanese armed groups, and we urge the groups’ leaders to accept the pardon immediately,” further says the joint statement.
The western envoys, however, reminded the southern government that ending the conflict in the troubled region requires meeting basic needs and addressing the grievances of communities, distinct from meeting demands of rebel leaders.
“We encourage the government to urgently address these issues,” they said.
SALVA KIIR WARNS AGAINST VIOLENCE
South Sudan president, Salva Kiir on Friday warned armed rebel groups and “ill-disciplined” elements within the regular security forces to halt violence against innocent civilians in the country.
The president’s warning comes in the wake of the growing levels of violence against civilians in South Sudan’s Jonglei state and other parts of the country.
“The Government will not tolerate any violence against its citizens or looting of any property, whether belonging to citizens or humanitarian agencies,” Kiir said in a strongly-worded statement issued Friday.
The president, in the statement obtained by Sudan Tribune, also warned that members of the country’s security forces engaged in violent acts on civilians will be held accountable.
Last week, rouge elements within the army staged road blocks in Bor, the Jonglei state capital and allegedly beat up civilians, in protest over delayed salary payments.
The president, however, expressed dismay over continued distabilisation of the country and terrorising of civilians by armed militias, despite several amnesty offers for them to surrender.
He said his government was determined to take all the necessary steps aimed at achieving peace and stability in the young nation.
(ST).