UN calls on AU to address impasse on peace in South Sudan
January 26, 2016 (NEW YORK) – United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, has called on the African Union (AU) to seize the opportunity of the upcoming summit to address the impasse in the implementation of the peace agreement signed in August 2015 by warring parties in the young nation.
In a statement issued in New York by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary General on Monday called on the parties to the peace deal overcome their differences, as well as for the AU to discuss the matter and come up with a resolution.
“The Secretary-General calls on the parties to overcome their differences. He encourages the IGAD and African Union member states to seize the opportunity of the forthcoming African Union summit to address the political impasse that is impeding the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity,” partly reads the statement.
He further stressed that the formation of the transitional government is an essential step in implementing the peace [agreement] and laying the foundation for peace and stability in South Sudan.
The parties could not form a unity government due to delay in amending the transitional constitution in order to become the basis for the new government.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed that the United Nations will continue to do all it can to support the people of South Sudan who continue to be “subjected to unimaginable suffering and human rights abuses.”
The statement also cited reports from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) that the situation in Yambio, capital of Western Equatoria state, had previously remained relatively calm but tense this weekend.
“Peacekeepers on patrol on Saturday observed the town to be largely deserted, although some shops appeared to be open,” it said.
“As of last evening, there were approximately 7,000 civilians seeking shelter at the compound of a non-governmental organization in Yambio,” it added.
It however assured that the Mission’s military and police peacekeepers are providing perimeter security to the area where they have gathered. The Mission also continues to conduct patrols and monitor the situation in Yambio town as part of [its] protection of civilians’ mandate.
Clashes occurred last week between South Sudanese army (SPLA) and members of the armed local youth in the area, known as the Arrow Boys, who accuse the government of mistreating their populations.
(ST)