The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed support for the ongoing Tumaini talks on South Sudan to come to a more inclusive peace process.
EU Managing Director Africa Rita Laranjinha expressed the sentiments during her January 22/24 visit to South Sudan.
The Tumaini talks in Nairobi, Kenya, are aimed at reconciling the government with the holdout opposition groups that did not sign the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Laranjinha said the EU remains constructively engaged in South Sudan and committed to supporting the transition towards a stable, peaceful and democratic country.
“The EU is a strong supporter of the peace process since the signing of the first peace agreement in 2015,” Laranjinha said.
The EU chief thanked President Salva Kiir for the meeting opportunity, which also saw her interact with vice-presidents Dr Riek Machar and Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Cabinet ministers and the clergy.
Laranjinha visited Renk and the Joda border station and was impressed by the hospitality of the population despite the hardship they are going through. She thanked the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and all who made the visit possible and commended the work of the humanitarian community.
Laranjinha stressed the urgency to take decisions for the preparation of the South Sudan elections. In particular, she stressed the need for voter registration, the expansion of the civic and political space, the unification of forces and voter security.
“From my conversations, I understand that there is expectation of the South Sudanese people that elections are organised and held. Constitution making and transition justice – areas which the EU also supports – are as important as ever,” she said.
She also reiterated the importance of sound management of the public funds.
“This is crucial for direct foreign investments which South Sudan needs. But also for the provision of social services and the payment of salaries,” she said.