Aid agencies welcome South Sudan’s new peace deal
August 27, 2015 (JUBA) – International aid agencies have described the decision by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to sign the agreement to end the conflict in the country as the beginning of a long, hard journey towards peace and reconciliation.
A statement signed by CARE, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Oxfam and World Vision hailed the South Sudanese leader for agreeing to end the 20 months old conflict.
“International and regional diplomatic actors should monitor the peace agreement to ensure protection of civilians, guarantee their safe access to humanitarian assistance, and support programs that will help people improve their lives,” the statement.
Ronald-Paul Veilleux, South Sudan country director for IRC said the peace deal was a step to restoring safety, dignity, and hope to civilians in South Sudan who have experienced horrific violence for nearly two years.
“But the value of the peace deal will only been seen on how it is implemented on the ground,” said Veilleux, adding that a peaceful environment is essential to enable organisations like the IRC deliver unencumbered humanitarian assistance to those most in need “something that has been challenged over the last 20 months.”
Zlatko Gegic, Country Director for Oxfam in South Sudan said the agreement is a vital step to ending the “unbearable suffering of millions of South Sudanese.”
He said the parties to the agreement should ensure lasting peace and stability.
“With millions of people hungry, it is crucial that all warring parties respect the agreement, stop fighting immediately and allow life saving aid to reach people where they are,” stressed Gegic.
“It is time for South Sudan’s leaders to support community reconciliation, forge a path for peace that addresses the root causes of conflict and redouble efforts to rebuild the economy,” he added.
According to the senior Oxfam official, about 4.6 million South Sudanese are severely hungry andvmillions more who need clean water, shelter and help to rebuild their lives.
He further called on donors to continue supporting the world’s youngest nation.
John Hoare, the country director for CARE in South Sudan said the newly signed peace agreement was good news, but added that South Sudanese needed more than words.
“They [South Sudanese] need real commitment from their leaders to ensure that this is a lasting peace, that the violence has ended and reconciliation process can begin,” he said.
Thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced from their homes by the 20 months long conflict. The agreement said a ceasefire should be declared 72 hours after its signing and a Tansitional Government of National Unity be formed within 90 days.
(ST)