Brussels, 23/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - Meeting in Brussels in Monday 23 May, the European foreign affairs ministers hailed the formation of the transitional government of national unity in South Sudan as an important step forward in the implementation of the August 2015 agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan. However, the Council of the EU called for sustainable peace in the country, underlining its concerns at the worsening humanitarian situation and the enormous challenge to be tackled.
In conclusions adopted without debate on the sidelines of the EU foreign ministers' meeting, the EU commends the messages of peace and reconciliation delivered by South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar at the inauguration of the transitional government.
“It is important that these words are transformed into deeds. The political, economic and humanitarian challenges facing South Sudan are enormous. As a priority, the transitional government must take swift and decisive steps to restore peace and stability by ensuring that all parties honour their commitment to a permanent ceasefire”, the Council states.
The EU calls on the transitional government to move forward promptly with implementation of all aspects of the agreement, including the establishment of the institutions foreseen in it and the holding of elections within the transitional period. The EU says it is ready to support the efforts of the government, in close cooperation with all the international partners.
Very concerned by the suffering of the people of South Sudan, as exactions continue and as the country is facing its worst food crisis since its independence, the EU calls on the transitional government to ensure the full, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to all those in need. It also urges the transitional government to uphold “its responsibility for the protection of all civilians”.
The EU reiterates its call to ensure that the resources of South Sudan are used responsibly for the reconstruction and recovery of the country and for the benefit of the South Sudanese people as a whole. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)