South Sudan’s vice-president says sanctions will undermine peace
March 1, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s vice president James Wani Igga has opposed calls for United Nations sanctions, saying it will undermine efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict.
“We fully understand the concerns and frustrations behind such decisions, but imposing sanctions while the clock is ticking towards reaching final agreement will not serve any purpose,” he told the state-owned SSTV.
According to Igga, the two warring sides have achieved over 90% of the discussion on economic issues and other outstanding issues.
“From the briefing of our delegations at the talks I have had today, I get the impression that we have made significant progress,” he said.
The UN Security Council has circulated a draft resolution calling for a committee to oversee imposition of sanctions on individuals or entities impeding South Sudan talks.
According to the draft resolution, all UN members shall take the necessary measures to prevent entry into or transit through their territories of any individuals who may have been slapped sanctions. This shall include freezing assets of all implicated individuals.
China’s ambassador to the UN, Liu Jieyi on Friday stated his opposition to a resolution paving the way for sanctions on the South Sudanese warring parties and vowed to help the nation reach a peace agreement instead of punitive measures.
Since last year, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which is mediating South Sudan peace talks warned it may seek approval from the UN Security Council (UNSC) to impose sanctions on the warring ruling party (SPLM) factions.
Tor Deng Mawien, a presidential advisor, said it would be “unwise” for the United States and its allies to abandon a country they supported to gain its independence.
“Our people appreciate the role the governments and the American people have played in the struggle until we acquired the independence. They never moved away from the cause of our people and this is why we take their concerns seriously and want them to lead in efforts to bring peace”, Mawien told Sudan Tribune on Sunday.
“It would be unwise for them to lead in punitive measures”, he added.
Mawien also hailed the African Union’s decision to delay the release of its commission of inquiry report on the conflict, saying peace and stability needed to be prioritised.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced since violence broke out in the South Sudanese capital, Juba over a year ago.
(ST)