UN, AU Urge South Sudan to Implement Outstanding Tasks to Ensure Durable Peace

JUBA, Xinhua: The African Union (AU), United Nations missions in South Sudan, and the East African bloc on Thursday called on South Sudan leaders to work together and complete the outstanding electoral-related and security issues to realize durable peace.

The AU Mission in South Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the UN Mission in South Sudan called for fresh momentum to meet commitments to the people of South Sudan following the extension of transitional peace.

“It is important that the Parties and the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity commit and put the necessary mechanisms, guarantees and resources in place that can ensure the timely and full implementation of outstanding tasks,” the missions said in a joint statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

The country’s transitional government on Sept. 13 announced the postponement of national elections and extended the transition period by two years after failing to meet key provisions of the peace agreement. This is the second time the country, which gained independence in 2011, has postponed elections and extended a transition period that began in February 2020.

The three missions expressed concern that it has been necessary to extend the transitional period of the revitalized peace agreement for the second time due to the failure to implement outstanding critical benchmarks. They underscored their ongoing commitment to work together and support all efforts to avoid a return to widespread violence by completing a peaceful transition toward durable peace and inclusive governance through the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

“It is imperative for South Sudan’s leaders to rebuild public trust and confidence; engage and accommodate all voices and viewpoints, including non-signatory parties who continue to participate in the Tumaini Initiative in Kenya, with a view to breaking the perpetual cycle of transitions in South Sudan and pave the way towards an inclusive and sustainable peace,” read the statement.