BRUSSELS, Belgium, April 29, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The people of South Sudan deserve a peaceful and secure future after many years of conflict.
The formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity in South Sudan on 29 April is therefore a welcome development.
It is long overdue and now the leadership must work to deliver peace and security, as well as humanitarian access for the people of South Sudan. The challenges are tremendous and the task of restoring normality and hope is the final goal of this transitional period.
The European Union, working in close co-operation with South Sudan’s neighbours and all international partners, will support the Transitional Government of National Unity so long as it demonstrates that it will act to overcome the divisions of the recent past. The initial priorities must be to end persistent conflict, abuse of civilians, violations of international humanitarian law and to contribute to the stability of its neighbours in the region. Bringing to an end mismanagement and corruption is a prerequisite to address the country’s economic crisis.
The worsening humanitarian situation and the suffering of the people of South Sudan have reached extreme proportions. Restrictions on access continue to impede humanitarian operations. The EU expects the Transitional Government to uphold its obligation to respect independent and unhindered humanitarian assistance.
The European Union supports the vital work of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (JMEC), and of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to South Sudan (UN SRSG) and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The EU expects the Transitional Government to provide unfettered co-operation to JMEC, the UN SRSG and UNMISS.
