Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support (1) the South Sudan peace deal, and (2) a power-sharing political system in that country.

Ensuring full implementation of the 2018 Peace Agreement is a priority for UK engagement in South Sudan and is the best chance for a more stable and prosperous future. The Agreement sets out how the parties to the conflict must work together to bring an end to violence. This includes the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity and, in time, elections so the people of South Sudan can choose their own government.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and member of the Troika (with Norway and the US), the UK is at the forefront of international efforts to pressure South Sudan's leaders to deliver peace together. As the Minister for Africa made clear during a visit to South Sudan in October 2020, all parties must work together to ensure a lasting end to violence and address the worsening humanitarian crisis; key to this is building trust at all levels. More recently, the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Africa discussed regional stability, including South Sudan, with President Kenyatta on 20 January during a visit to Kenya. The UK Special Representative for Sudan and South Sudan also discusses issues of peace and unity regularly with international and regional partners including with President Kenyatta in January and with President Museveni of Uganda in December 2020. In addition the UK provides technical support to the peace process including to civil society groups and mechanisms that implement the agreement, support mediation efforts, and monitor the ceasefire and security arrangements.