High Representative Mogherini urges South Sudan to grab chance for peace
“This is a country where huge hopes faded in the space of a few years. It is a country that could be rich, if it fully used its natural resources,” she told the European Parliament.
On Monday, in Addis Ababa, the opposing parties took a first step to move beyond the current deadlock on the security arrangements, giving some grounds for hope. However, a positive conclusion is still not in sight.
“Only a timely implementation of the agreement will lead to real peace, end the suffering of the people of South Sudan and stop the humanitarian tragedy. Spoilers on all sides must understand that there are consequences for their actions,” Mogherini told MEPs.
“First, the ceasefire must come into place as a matter of urgency. And second, all obstacles to full and unconditional humanitarian access must be removed immediately. With statehood comes responsibility. Hard work begins now with the implementation of the agreement. South Sudan cannot afford that this agreement follows the same path of all past broken ceasefire agreements. For that, we need to sustain international pressure and cohesion.”
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is dire. Some 30,000 people currently risk death by starvation and thousands more are on the brink of famine, according to UN data. A million people are internally displaced. More than 700,000 have fled the country. Innocent civilians continue to suffer human rights abuses. Sexual violence against women and children has reached shocking levels. These crimes go against the commitments made by all parties in South Sudan to protect citizens and put an end to the human rights violations.
The High Representative underlined that justice and reconciliation must be central to efforts to lay the foundation for sustainable peace, and welcomed the African Union's decision to publish the commission of inquiry's report, and to move ahead with the establishment of the hybrid court.
“The recent peace agreement offers a unique opportunity. One that cannot be missed. It is an opportunity for South Sudan to move towards a transparent, accountable government. A government that places the interests of the citizen above all else,” she said.
Mogherini pledged that the EU will continue to stand by the South Sudanese people during the transitional process, as it has done since the outbreak of fighting in December 2013. In 2014, the Commission's humanitarian support exceeded 116 million euros. This year, its aid has already reached 107 million euros.