In order to protect the civilians in South Sudan, the UN Security Council unanimously voted for an increase of the UN peacekeepers in South Sudan from 7,000 to 12,500 troops including 1,323 police.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon added in his remarks to the Security Council on Tuesday evening that “the addition (of peacekeepers) will not happen overnight. We are not able to protect every civilian. Political dialogue is the only solution for South Sudan.” He coordinated with the other UN Missions in Africa “to ensure re-deployments do not affect the implementation of their respective mandates.”
The African Union asked President Salva Kiir to release his eleven opponents currently detained in Juba. The gesture is ‘to facilitate dialogue and to encourage them to contribute positively to the search for a solution”. The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its meeting on Tuesday adopted a statement reiterating its grave concern at the escalating crisis in South Sudan. The Afican Union describes the situation as evolved from a political dispute to an armed conflict, with the prospect of rapidly deteriorating further into ethnic clashes and a full-fledged civil war.
Arrested
The confirmed list of politicians in detention has grown to eleven, including Pagan Amum, former Minister for National Security Oyay Deng Ajak, ex-Internal Affairs Minister Gier Choung Aloung, former Deputy Minister of Defense Majak D’Agoot.
Former Minister of Justice John Luk Jok, the ex-Minister of Culture Cirino Hiteng, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Alor Koul, former Minister of Telecommunications Madut Biar, former Minister of Finance Kosti Manibe, former Ambassador Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth and former Lakes Governor Chol Tong Mayay.
Besides Riek Machar, the government announced still searching for Lt. General Alfred Ladu Gore, the ex-Governor of Unity State Taban Deng Gai and the former Minister of Education Peter Adwok Nyaba.
Photo: UNMISS peacekeepers patrolling in Pibor, Jonglei State, South Sudan (Martine Perret/UNMISS)