Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama called Friday for South Sudan's leaders to "end the cycle of violence" and work towards reconciliation in the world's youngest nation after a year of civil war.
"Last December, when a political conflict erupted into violence in South Sudan, the hope and optimism the world felt with the founding of the new nation in 2011 was overtaken by images of bloodshed and grief," Obama said in a statement.
"Today, I appeal to the leaders of South Sudan to pursue peace as a way to honour those who have died," he added.
"It is in your hands to end the cycle of violence, to set forth on a course of reform and reconciliation, and to hold to account those responsible for atrocities."
"To the people of South Sudan, who have suffered for far too long, I urge you to renew the spirit of hope, unity, and fortitude that enabled you almost four years ago to come together and vote for a brighter future," said the president, emphasising that the United States would "remain a friend to those who seek peace and progress."
The war in the world's newest nation erupted in December last year, when President Salva Kiir ousted his vice president Riek Machar, accusing him of trying to organise a coup.
Fighting broke out in the military between troops loyal to Kiir and supporters of Machar, and then expanded into an ethnic conflict, essentially pitting Kiir's Dinka tribe against Machar's Nuer.
Thousands have died and nearly two million people have fled their homes in the fighting, including 100,000 civilians who have fled to UN bases for shelter.
- Politics & Government
- Unrest, Conflicts & War
- President Barack Obama
- South Sudan
Source http://news.yahoo.com/obama-urges-end-cycle-violence-sudan-213119753.html
Newer articles:
- South Sudan: War and misery continue one year later - 14/12/2014 13:43
- South Sudan: War and misery continue a year later - 14/12/2014 12:35
- Illegal migrants to face deportation in W. Bahr el Ghazal - 14/12/2014 06:06
- South Sudan peering into abyss as it marks a year of conflict - 14/12/2014 02:48
- South Sudan: A year of war in a divided nation - 13/12/2014 07:10
Older news items
- South Sudan children survive on waterlilies as crisis escalates - 12/12/2014 18:26
- Year of conflict in South Sudan has stolen future of a generation of children – UNICEF - 12/12/2014 17:35
- UNSC calls Sudan, S.Sudan for high level security meeting - 12/12/2014 14:54
- South Sudan: UN Envoy Says International Patience #39;Wearing Thin #39; With Warring Parties - 12/12/2014 08:18
- S. Sudan to establish strategic partnership with Israel - 12/12/2014 06:06
Latest news items (all categories):
- The power struggles among South Sudan’s political leaders are the direct cause of its ongoing conflict - 11/07/2026 14:03
- Celebrating Independence In The Midst Of Sorrow - 11/07/2026 13:41
- South Sudan resumes oil-backed financing - 11/07/2026 13:33
- Press statement: Strive For National Unity In Honor Of South Sudan's Independence - 10/07/2026 21:23
- Fifteen years of independence for South Sudan, but still little to celebrate - 10/07/2026 21:23
Random articles (all categories):
- Promoting East Africa as the Top African Exploration Marke - 16/09/2021 03:25
- Resettlement promise as South Sudan turns seven - 09/07/2018 15:49
- Sudan rebels say shelling resumes around oil state capital - Reuters - 23/10/2012 05:57
- South Sudan rivals to hold talks in Juba - 09/12/2019 09:47
- South Sudan doubts credibility of Ugandan suppliers - 02/05/2019 15:31
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 147791 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 27849 times
- Top 10 weakest currency exchange rates in Africa in 2023 - 19/07/2023 00:24 - Read 24938 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 24258 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 22173 times
