The following is a joint statement issued by the Governments of the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Norway.
The members of the Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) commend the Intergovernmental Authority on Development's (IGAD) efforts to drive forward the South Sudan peace process, and take note of the Khartoum Declaration of Agreement Between Parties of the Conflict of South Sudan agreed between President Salva Kiir, Dr. Riek Machar, and other opposition parties in Khartoum on June 27. We welcome the Government of Sudan's role in hosting the latest round of discussions.
We hope that the principles outlined in the declaration will help to build confidence between the parties and guide the difficult discussions that must follow to reach a credible and comprehensive wider agreement.
While we welcome the renewed commitment to a ceasefire, all sides must stop fighting now - that is the only secure foundation upon which any agreement can be built. The effects of the renewed commitment to a permanent ceasefire must be seen on the ground. It must allow the return of South Sudan's refugees and displaced people, and the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance. It must lead to improved security for communities and an end to the horrendous abuses endured by civilians at the hands of security forces. "Self-monitoring" will not be sufficient to assess adherence to the ceasefire. The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) must continue to play a central role, with full access throughout the country and support in publishing timely reports.
The new ceasefire does not negate the need to respond to the continued and repeated serious violations by all sides of the December 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA). We will continue to seek measures at the UN Security Council to return the region to peace and security, including consequences for spoilers to the peace process. The International Community therefore stands ready to support action by IGAD and the African Union to signal an end to impunity by delivering punitive measures against those responsible.
The parties must work to solidify this agreement. They need robust security and enforcement mechanisms, inclusion of a wide range of constituencies, and clear limits to executive power. There is a need for specific and realistic benchmarks throughout the transitional period, which lead to free and fair elections that allow for a peaceful transition in leadership in the most expeditious and responsible manner. The international community will encourage any oil arrangement to include transparency and accountability and ensure that new oil revenues directly benefit the South Sudanese people, rather than fuel more conflict.
All this will be critical to ensure that the failures of past agreements are not repeated and the confidence of international donors is secured. We appreciate IGAD's ongoing efforts and look forward to further progress in the next phase of talks.
*********************
Africa Regional Media Hub
United States Department of State
Johannesburg, South Africa
Website: www.state.gov/africamediahub
Newer articles:
- Under the Radar: Why an arms embargo could be South Sudan’s best hope - 03/07/2018 09:33
- South Sudan Wants to Extend President's Term Until 2021 - 03/07/2018 09:23
- Concern over oil pollution in South Sudan - 03/07/2018 08:55
- South Sudan: Violation of ceasefire leaves 18 dead, blame game continues - 03/07/2018 08:47
- SPLA-IO rebels say South Sudan prepare for new attacks on Kajo-Keji - 02/07/2018 23:23
Older news items
- South Sudan’s MPs discuss extending Kiir term for more three years - 02/07/2018 14:18
- South Sudan ceasefire violations yet to stop - 02/07/2018 01:50
- Africa: South Sudan's 'New' Peace Deal Is Missing Something - Details - 02/07/2018 01:37
- African Union to elaborate roadmap for effective peace in South Sudan - 02/07/2018 01:06
- South Sudan ceasefire violators to be publicly named and shamed: statement - 02/07/2018 00:28
Latest news items (all categories):
- South Sudan needs ‘civic education’ before elections, says bishop - 16/01/2025 16:42
- South Sudan parties set to resume peace talks in Kenya - 16/01/2025 16:39
- Abandoned but not forgotten – the invisible crisis in South Sudan - 16/01/2025 16:35
- The SAF has committed barbaric atrocities against South Sudanese refugees in Wad Medani - 16/01/2025 16:27
- Syria 2025: The historical Syrian project: From revolution to a modern inclusive civil state - 16/01/2025 16:10
Random articles (all categories):
- South Sudan’s Cynical Bid to Block War Crimes Court - 30/04/2019 12:13
- South Sudan withdraws troops from eastern DR Congo - 11/12/2023 06:51
- South Sudan: thousands displaced as fighting escalates - Reuters AlertNet - 16/05/2012 15:07
- Consultancy: NIDI Survey Coordinator- UNFPA South Sudan - 25/08/2020 14:18
- South Sudanese Rebels: President Opposes Power Sharing - 18/08/2015 00:44
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 61542 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 22304 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 21490 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 19052 times
- Top 10 weakest currency exchange rates in Africa in 2023 - 19/07/2023 00:24 - Read 18779 times