Chinese envoy calls for efforts to build on gains in South Sudan's political process

(ibtimes.com)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for efforts to build on the remarkable progress achieved in the political process in South Sudan in the past three years and work toward lasting peace.

The Revitalized Peace Agreement signed three years ago provides the only framework for peace in South Sudan, said Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

"All factions in South Sudan should maintain the current positive momentum, continue to advance the preparations for general elections and the building of unified forces, among other tasks, so as to steadily promote the implementation of the peace agreement," he told the Security Council.

The talks between the government of South Sudan and the opposition have encountered some difficulties. All parties should maintain a constructive attitude and sign the peace agreement as soon as possible. The international community should respect the leadership of South Sudan in handling its own national affairs and support regional organizations in playing an active role. The Security Council should heed the call of the African Union to lift the sanctions against South Sudan as soon as possible to effectively improve the environment for peace and development in South Sudan, he said.

At present, peace and stability have been generally maintained in South Sudan and the cease-fire is taking hold. However, inter-communal conflict and armed violence still occur from time to time. All parties concerned must keep the overarching goal in mind, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and work together for the peace process, he said.

Promoting inter-communal reconciliation is a key link in the security and stability in South Sudan. Resolving inter-communal conflicts cannot be accomplished overnight. Multiple means that integrate mediation, good offices and development need to be adopted to eliminate the root causes of conflict, he said.

The government of South Sudan has made a lot of efforts to that end, but faced many difficulties. The international community should provide financial and technical support to help the government of South Sudan to improve its capacity to protect civilians, said Dai.

Though economic reform in South Sudan has achieved some results, many difficulties and challenges remain, including prominent food security issues, COVID-19, and a large gap in its humanitarian needs, he said.

"We call on the international community to continue to provide humanitarian assistance and economic support to South Sudan to solve its food security issues," he said. "The focus should be on increasing investment in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, education, and health care, in order to help the people of South Sudan rebuild their homeland and stimulate their self-generated development momentum."

China is concerned about the difficulties faced by the humanitarian organizations and hopes that the parties concerned will provide favorable conditions for humanitarian relief operations and work together to improve the humanitarian situation in South Sudan.

China will continue to provide assistance within its capacity to South Sudan, he said.

Over the past decade, parties in South Sudan have worked hard to overcome various difficulties and challenges and have taken important steps to rebuild the country. The international community and the parties in South Sudan must draw lessons from history while looking into the future, and work together to push South Sudan forward on the path of lasting peace and sustainable development, and make contributions to the prosperity and development of the region, he said. Enditem