South Sudan rejects campaign pushing for arms embargo

February 13, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government has expressed its strong disapproval of a global campaign seeking the imposition of an arms embargo, saying that it would undermine the ability of its army and other security organs to effectively exercise its constitutional mandate to defend the country against threats.

Presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny said the government has an obligation to defend the country and its people and that the best to way to resolve differences was through peaceful dialogue.

“The government of South Sudan has an obligation to defend the people of South Sudan. We believe that the best way to do so is by finding a lasting solution at the negotiation table rather than in the battlefield,” he said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday.

“Our country has faced decades of war and our people are tired of fighting. Our primary focus must be to create a sustainable political reality that will no longer be held hostage by threats of violence and war,” he adds.

Ateny said the current debate over an arms embargo being considered by the United Nations will only diminish the country’s ability to protect its citizens.

“A strong army should first and foremost work as a strong force of deterrence. Like all autonomous democratic countries we will continue to defend our people, defend our resources and defend our right to peace and prosperity,” he said.

South Sudan has been locked in a deadly cycle of violence since mid-December 2013 following a political dispute within the country’s ruling party (SPLM) over political reforms.

The fighting has pitted troops loyal to president Salva Kiir against forces aligned with former vice-president turned rebel leader Riek Machar.

There are growing calls for the UN Security Council to impose an arms embargo on the young nation amid repeated violations of ceasefire agreements signed by both warring parties.

(ST)