British minister visits Juba for talks on peace and humanitarian situation
November 18, 2015 (JUBA) – The UK’s International Development Minister Grant Shapps is in Juba for talks with the South Sudanese officials on peace implementation and humanitarian situation in the East African nation.
”Britain is a close friend to the people of South Sudan and I am committed to building a safer, more peaceful and inclusive nation,” said the visiting minister in a statement released by the British Embassy in Juba.
He further said that his visit aims to discuss with the government officials ways to face the post conflict challenges adding “I am here to look at how the UK can continue to support their progress. It is vital that South Sudan’s leaders end the fighting and that the Peace Agreement is implemented swiftly and in full”.
The United Kingdom, which is one of the Troika countries (Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States), was involved alongside the IGAD mediators in the efforts exerted to reach a peace agreement ending the 21 month long war in the new nation.
Last October the Troika countries expressed serious concern about President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s 2 October announcement that he plans to replace South Sudan’s 10 states with 28 new states. They urged to withdraw the announced measures saying it contradicts his government’s commitment to implement the signed peace deal.
The UK is the second largest bilateral humanitarian donor to South Sudan. The British government contributed £242 million to the humanitarian response and a further £89 million to South Sudanese refugees in the region since December 2013.
Over 2.3 million people have fled their homes, including more than 1.6 million displaced people inside South Sudan and more than 640,000 seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. Humanitarian access remains heavily restricted.
(ST)