AU reiterates calls for sanctions on S. Sudan leaders

August 23, 2014 (JUBA) – The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has reiterated its readiness to impose targeted multilateral sanctions and other punitive measures against any party that fails to honor its commitments and continues to undermine the search for a negotiated solution to South Sudan’s current crisis.

This comes after AUPSC members were briefed by the chairperson of the special envoys of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on the situation in the conflict-hit nation.

The Council, at a meeting held on 21 August, also received statements from the representatives of South Sudan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, France, United Kingdom, United States, the United Nations and European Union.

Recalling an earlier communiqué, the AUPSC reiterated its strong condemnation of the flagrant violations of the ceasefire agreement signed by the warring parties.

It specifically urged South Sudanese parties to immediately put an end to the current fighting and expedite the IGAD-facilitated talks aimed at restoring peace and stability in the country.

Both parties, the Council said, should facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the affected population and ensure the protection of humanitarian aid agencies.

“[The] Council looks forward to the successful convening of the forthcoming IGAD summit on the situation in South Sudan,” the AUPSC said in a communiqué.

Both the EU and US government have already slapped sanctions on military generals from both sides of the conflict over their alleged involvement in the country’s conflict.

(ST)