South Sudan: Politics and Government
(asked on 14th May 2018) - View Source
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their latest assessment of the situation in South Sudan.
Answered by
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The situation in South Sudan is appalling. Conflict has killed thousands and forced over 4 million to flee their homes. It has created a humanitarian catastrophe, food insecurity is at its worst in South Sudan's seven year history. An estimated 7 million people will need humanitarian assistance this year.
Only political stability can end the humanitarian crisis. We welcome the resumption of the High Level Revitalisation Forum (HLRF) talks on 17 May. However, we are disappointed that the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) signed by all parties in December has not held, and that the HLRF has so far failed to generate serious commitments from the parties to compromise.
We strongly condemn ongoing violations of the COHA, and urge the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to take immediate action to ensure that those who undermine the peace process face consequences for their actions, to leave the parties in no doubt about the region's commitment to peace.