The formation of the transitional government of national unity in South Sudan on Saturday is a key step towards peace, the European Union said.

In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj today, the European Union pointed out that difficult decisions were made by the parties to the peace agreement to reach this stage.

 “This transitional period should now begin in a spirit of collaboration and compromise in order that the RTGoNU functions effectively and delivers for the people of South Sudan. The peace agreement’s commitment to a minimum of 35% women’s participation in the executive is critical,” the EU said.

It added, “There are major challenges ahead. In particular, the transitional security arrangements are still at an early stage and need re-orienting. There is now an opportunity for the RTGoNU to use the current momentum to make progress on these arrangements and other critical aspects of the peace agreement.”

The European Union says it looks forward to expanding and deepening its partnership with South Sudan during the transitional period.

The statement further said a strong focus by the unity government on service delivery, accountability and on reforms, including those related to economic and financial transparency will be important to build the necessary trust with the international community, including the European Union, so that further investments can be made.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on Friday dissolved the previous government and appointed opposition leader Riek Machar as first vice president, after the two men finally agreed to form the unity government.

James Wani Igga, Taban Deng Gai, Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, and Hussein Abdelbagi Akol were also named vice-presidents as part of the transitional government.