S. Sudan: Troika urges prompt formation of state governments
Representatives of the Troika (the UK, the US and Norway) (Photo: Unknown)
June 9, 2020 (SSNN) – The Troika Countries (United States, Britain and Norway) on Tuesday urged South Sudan parties to the revitalized peace agreement to form the state governments which it said has become a new challenge in the implementation of the revitalized peace deal.
President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny in February formed the long-awaited revitalized transitional government of national unity paving way for the start of the 36-month transitional period provided for in the 2018 peace agreement.
However, differences continue to exist on the formation of states government as parties disagree on who take what state.
In a statement today, the Troika urged the parties to form the state government saying they were concerned over recent violence which is becoming a source of worry to the international communities with some expressing fears that it would affect the implementation of the peace deal.
“The formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity in February was a major step forward in South Sudan’s peace process. Since then, a new challenge has emerged, not just for South Sudan, but for all of us. COVID-19 is a truly global challenge that has far-reaching political and economic impacts. The Troika will continue to support South Sudan in its response,” the Troika said in the statement seen by South Sudan News Now.
“We are deeply concerned at the increased levels of violence across South Sudan. This causes immense suffering for the people of South Sudan, puts in jeopardy any gains that have been made, and has implications across the region.
“In Jonglei, the vacuum created by the lack of governance has exacerbated cycles of intercommunal violence. In Central Equatoria, the ceasefire signed in January between the government and non-signatory groups has broken down and we have seen heavy fighting between forces in recent weeks, with villages destroyed and their communities displaced. Shocking reports of sexual violence against women and girls continue. We are concerned with the impact of the fighting on humanitarian access.
“Now is the moment for the President and Vice Presidents, supported by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the guarantors of the peace agreement, to agree on the selection of governors and to move forward to govern together for the benefit of the people of South Sudan.
“Any further delay creates uncertainty that undermines the transition process, slows the fight against COVID-19, and holds back efforts to end the violence that now threatens the hard-won peace.”
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