S. Sudan peace talks facing leadership failure: UN official
February 24, 2015 (NEW YORK) – The ongoing violence between South Sudan’s warring parties, despite the cessation of hostilities agreement, could escalate the conflict, a top United Nations official warned.
“The government [of South Sudan] and opposition do not seem to take the political negotiations seriously and appear unwilling to make the necessary compromises,” he told the UN Security Council (USC).
Thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced by the conflict that hit the country following disagreements within South Sudan’s governing party.
The more than 14-month-long conflict has had devastating a impact on the country, with the UN estimating 2.5 million people remain at risk of starvation.
Ladsous has accused South Sudanese leaders of paying little attention to the suffering of the people in the country.
“In the light of the fragile security environment, the ongoing round of peace talks is not likely to achieve much progress,” he said.
According to the top UN official, the current talks mediated by East African regional leaders have remained shaky due to the proposed power-sharing, security arrangements and constitutional reforms.
“There is now an urgent need to reinforce the mediation efforts, as well as to impose consequences on the parties if they fail to show willingness to compromise and continue engaging in a conflict that will result in further loss of innocent lives,” said Ladsous.
He urged the UNSC to consider issuing a strong presidential statement calling on the parties to immediately cease all military operations and make the necessary compromises to reach a comprehensive peace agreement during this round of talks “or face the consequences”.
Meanwhile, UN assistant secretary-general for human rights Ivan Simonovic gave a distressing account of the situation I South Sudan weeks after he visited the country.
“Many government officials told me that the people of South Sudan fought for decades for their dignity, independence, and human rights. What I saw on my mission was certainly not what they have been fighting for,” Simonovic told the 15-member council.
“After decades of killing and other violations, there is a need for cultural change based on respect for human life and human rights. It takes two leaders to end a war in South Sudan, but it takes many for the peace to become sustainable,” he added.
However, the official stressed that justice and accountability measures needed to be put in place to break the cycle of impunity.
“It is of the utmost importance that this Council remains seized of the question of accountability for past and present violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in South Sudan,” he said.
(ST)