WESTERN ENVOYS PRESS JUBA TO RESTART POLITICAL DIALOGUE

South Sudan President Salva Kiir, right, and opposition leader and now Kiir’s first deputy, Riek Machar, congratulate each other after a swearing-in ceremony in Juba, South Sudan, Feb. 22, 2020.

 RADIO TAMAZUJ

A group of Western embassies on Wednesday urged South Sudan’s leaders to return to political dialogue and end violence, warning the country’s transitional authorities risk worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.

In a joint statement, the embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States said they were “deeply concerned” by the impact of recent military operations in Akobo, which they said forced humanitarian agencies to withdraw alongside large numbers of civilians.

The diplomats noted that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) had called on aid organisations to return, but stressed the need for authorities to use national resources to begin assisting affected communities, starting with Akobo.

They warned that actions by the transitional government had “contributed to the humanitarian crisis now requiring international response,” adding the situation had been exacerbated over a prolonged period.

The embassies called on the leadership to “end the violence and return to political dialogue,” while ensuring the protection of civilians and allowing unhindered humanitarian access.

They also expressed concern over “continued reports of denial of humanitarian access,” including restrictions on flights used for aid delivery and relocation.

“International assistance cannot, and should not, substitute for accountable governance,” the statement said, urging authorities to take responsibility for the welfare of the population and to use national resources to support affected communities.

The envoys reaffirmed their support for life-saving humanitarian operations, but said durable stability would depend on the government honouring its commitments and engaging in inclusive political dialogue.

“The people of South Sudan have waited long enough for peace,” the statement said.

The joint statement follows a call this week by the United States for an immediate return to dialogue among parties to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, warning talks cannot proceed while key leaders remain detained.

Riek Machar, a key signatory to the 2018 peace deal, is under detention and facing treason charges in Juba, with political engagement among the parties largely stalled. Observers say South Sudan is ill-prepared for December elections due to a lack of political consensus, delays in reforms, insecurity and funding gaps.

Although the 2018 agreement ended a five-year war that killed hundreds of thousands, sporadic violence continues, underscoring the fragility of the peace.