South Sudan: Politics and Government

(asked on 28th October 2019) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to address the key concerns of international observers and the people of South Sudan on potential difficulties in the formation of a Government of National Unity in that country.


Answered by
Andrew Stephenson Portrait
Andrew Stephenson
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
This question was answered on 4th November 2019

The UK recognises that a significant amount of progress has been achieved since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan on 12 September 2018, including a reduction in fighting between the parties. However, implementation of a number of important agreed tasks is falling behind, including the unification of armed forces, security arrangements for returning opposition leaders, and the future number and composition of states. Further effort is required now from all sides to ensure the conditions to allow an inclusive, transitional government to form. The 12 November 2019 deadline for the formation of a transitional government is an important step in the peace process; we urge parties to show unity, cooperation and compromise.

We engage frequently in Juba, the region and internationally to urge all parties to deliver on their promises made in the 12 September 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan. When I met the President of South Sudan on 13 August 2019 I reaffirmed the UK's support for the people of South Sudan. I urged President Kiir to take the steps necessary to form a government of national unity. In the last month, our Ambassador in Juba has reinforced this message with all sides including with President Kiir; the Ministers of finance, security and foreign affairs; and all signatories to the peace agreement and key interlocutors. On 21 October we, alongside Troika partners (UK, US and Norway) issued a statement urging the all sides to demonstrate their commitment to peace by increasing co-operation and working together to resolve outstanding issues (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/south-sudan-troika-statement-october-2019). The UK Special Envoy will be in Juba and the region next week to reinforce these messages and urge progress.

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