Security Council Press Statement on South Sudan

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Eugène-Richard Gasana ( Rwanda):

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the series of attacks launched on 20 July by armed youth and opposition forces, and the 23 July attacks by Government of South Sudan forces, as they fight for control of Nassir Town, Upper Nile State in South Sudan.

The members of the Security Council expressed deep regret at the lack of progress towards peace and reconciliation in South Sudan.  They reiterated their full support for the mediation efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and urged all parties in South Sudan to immediately cease hostilities in accordance with the signed cessation of hostilities agreements, and to resume comprehensive and inclusive peace talks.  The members of the Security Council welcomed the IGAD announcement that peace talks would resume on 30 July and reminded the parties of their 10 June commitment to reach agreement on the formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity within 60 days.

The members of the Security Council underscored that attacks against civilians and United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime.  The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of those civilians injured and killed in these attacks, and to the people of South Sudan who deserve the opportunity to live in peace.

They stressed that those responsible for human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law must be brought to justice and that the fight against impunity is a fundamental element of reconciliation.  In this regard, the members of the Security Council welcomed the release of the interim report of the African Union Commission of Inquiry and reiterated their full support for the Commission’s work.  The members of the Security Council also expressed alarm regarding reports that both parties were recruiting children.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the 23 July appointment of Ellen Margrethe Løj of Denmark as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).

The members of the Security Council underscored their full support for UNMISS peacekeepers and commended the actions of the UNMISS contingents and IGAD monitoring and verification teams in Nassir as they fulfil their respective mandates.

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For information media • not an official record