UNSC condemn violence in South Sudan, renew threats for sanctions
May 17, 2015 (JUBA) – The United Nations Security Council has condemned the renewed and ongoing large scale violence in South Sudan’s Unity state, saying military offensives by pro-government forces had led to the displacement of over 100,000 civilians.
The council further condemned the large-scale attack by armed opposition forces in Malakal, the Upper Nile state capital on 15 May.
“The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms the repeated violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement … and underscored that there is no military solution to this conflict,” the 15-nation UN body said in a statement.
“The members of the council further expressed their condemnation of the large-scale attack initiated by the SPLM/A (in Opposition) on the town of Malakal in Upper Nile State”, the statement said.
Members of the council, however, called on all the parties to engage meaningfully in the peace process so as to bring about a political solution to the crisis and an end to the South Sudan conflict.
The council expressed concern about the worsening of the humanitarian crisis in the country and renewed its call for the parties to the conflict to allow and facilitate the “full, safe and unhindered access” of humanitarian personnel, equipment and supplies to all those in need and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance.
It further condemned all human rights violations and abuses and demanded an immediate end to them, noting that the government bears the primary responsibility to protect the civilians from abuses and from potential crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The council members further acknowledged the peace process led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), urging renewed regional and international efforts to swiftly implement a common plan and to table a reasonable and comprehensive solution to end the crisis in South Sudan, the statement stressed.
THREATS FOR SANCTIONS
“They reiterated their willingness to impose sanctions against those who threaten the peace , security or stability of South Sudan as established in the resolution 2206 ‘2015) and noted the 24 March 2015 African Union Peace and Security Council communiqué On South Sudan and the 12 May 2015 African Union Commission Chairperson’s Statement on South Sudan in this regard”, it stated.
Meanwhile, the 15-member UN body also reiterated its full support for its peacekeepers in South Sudan, demanded all parties end intimidation and harassment against the UN mission in South Sudan and stop restrictions on freedom of movement.
The world body further demanded full adherence to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and permission for the deployment of essential assets and enablers currently being blocked by the government of the world’s youngest nation.
“The members of the Security Council underscored the importance of close cooperation and communication between UNMISS and government in addressing these issues,” stressed the statement.
Last week, the head of the UN mission in South Sudan decried the “untold suffering” of people from the devastating effect of conflict that broke out in the country in 2013.
Addressing the Security Council on Thursday, Ellen Margrethe Loj detailed how the conflict has displaced millions of people, yet showing no signs of an end, despite the efforts by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
“The untold suffering of the people of South Sudan must stop,” Loj said.
“Every day without a political agreement contributes to a further deterioration of the situation on the ground, leading to greater displacement and human misery, and risks regional peace and security,” she added.
According to the UN official, the most serious situation is currently in the oil-rich Unity state, citing reports of Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) advancing and fighting as they push into southern areas of the oil-rich region towards Koch, Leer and Adok.
The UN says over 2 million people have been displaced, 1.5 million internally, and 500,000 in neighbouring countries as a result of the South Sudan conflict.. Also over 2.5 million people face severe food insecurity, especially in greater Upper Nile region.
(ST)