US condemns attack at UN base in S. Sudan
May 21, 2015 (JUBA) – The United States has condemned Tuesday’s attack at a United Nations base, in which four people were killed in and eight others wounded in South Sudan’s oil-rich Upper Nile state.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victims and reiterate our call for those responsible for attacks on civilians and UN facilities to be held accountable,” Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN said in a statement issued on Thursday
“Today’s attacks are only the latest in a series of brutally violent acts against civilians, including the raping and murder of children,” she added.
Fighting has, in recent days, intensified between government forces and those loyal to the rebel-allied militia commander, Johnson Olony in Upper Nile state.
The rebels briefly captured Melut, a town next to the oilfield on Tuesday, but it was retaken by government forces on Wednesday.
The UN said a bomb landed at its protection of civilian site in Malakal, the Upper Nile capital on Tuesday, killing four people, including a child, and injuring eight others.
However, the US envoy to the UN said South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir and rebel leader, Riek Machar should be held responsible.
“The international community is footing the bill for president Salva Kiir’s and opposition leader Riek Machar’s shameful disregard for the devastating humanitarian crisis facing the people of South Sudan,” said Power.
She said the country’s political and military leaders on all sides of this conflict must put aside their self-serving ambitions, bring an end to the fighting, implement the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement to which both have already agreed, and engage in negotiations for a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement to establish a transitional government and bring about a reform process that addresses the root causes of the ongoing conflict.
She said South Sudan political leaders have continuously “refused” to prioritise the well-being of their own people and that this could necessitate an increase in international pressure.
She warned of consequences for failure by both warring factions to end the war and respect UN mission in the country (UNMISS) bases.
“In this vein, we will continue our work with the UN Security Council’s South Sudan Sanctions Committee to gather and review evidence that might be useful for sanctions listings that target political spoilers and those who violate and abuse human rights and violate international humanitarian law,” warned Power.
The world body said it is sheltering over 120,000 civilians at bases across the country.
(ST)