Noting Outcome of Recent Negotiations, Secretary-General Urges South Sudan Parties to Place Civilians’ Interests First, Agree on Comprehensive Peace Accord

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General takes note of the outcome of the last round of negotiations between President Salva Kiir and former Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar, as reflected in the agreement they signed in Addis Ababa on 2 February 2015.  He regrets that neither of them compromised on a mutually acceptable power-sharing formula.  He emphasizes that no sustainable peace will be found in South Sudan unless its leaders place the interests of the civilian population above their own.  He underscores the urgent need for them to agree on a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement that addresses key institutional reforms, economic governance, reconciliation, and accountability for the crimes committed since the beginning of the conflict in a manner consistent with international standards.

The Secretary-General calls once again on both parties to urgently and strictly adhere to the Cessation of Hostilities agreement signed on 23 January 2014.  He urges them to prepare for the next round of talks with the intent to expeditiously end the conflict.  He commends the mediators and Heads of State and Government of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for their tireless efforts and commitments to broker a peace agreement in South Sudan and assures them of the United Nation’s readiness to assist, along with other partners, in their efforts to engage the South Sudanese parties.