Brussels, 27/08/2015 (Agence Europe) - The EU has hailed the signature of the peace agreement by President of South Sudan Salva Kiir, in Addis Ababa on Wednesday 26 August. The agreement was signed by the rebels on 17 August but the EU stresses the importance of implementing the agreement effectively.
“President Kiir decided to sign the peace agreement (…) President Kiir's commitment to engage in a political process to achieve a lasting peace is a crucial step. This agreement offers a new opportunity that cannot be squandered for South Sudan to move towards a future transparent government that place the interests of the citizen above all else. If properly implemented, it will end the fighting and install the transitional institutions essential to the rebuilding of the country”, said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica in a joint press release.
To ensure this happens, effective implementation of the agreement will be essential, as will monitoring, Mogherini and Mimica state, calling for the establishment of a ceasefire and the immediate removal of all obstacles to free humanitarian access.
The EU gives assurances that it will continue to stand by the South Sudanese people during the transitional process and “appeals to the political leaders of South Sudan to rise to their responsibilities, end the suffering of the South Sudanese people, account for the atrocities targeted at civilians and children, and prevent an even greater humanitarian tragedy from unfolding”. Kiir's signature of the peace agreement came about under pressure from the UN. The Security Council had threatened to take action immediately if Kiir refused to sign or raised reservations. (Aminata Niang)