Ellen Margrethe Løj, the Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Mission has urged South Sudan’s government to put the interest of their people first saying, “The suffering must simply stop.”
Speaking on Monday during a UN Day celebration at Nyakuron Culture Center Loej said, “It time to lay down the weapons and commit to inclusive dialogue, reconciliation and justice.” The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions and UN agencies heads.
“As we gathered here in Juba one year ago to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations, we expressed optimism and hope for what the future holds for South Sudanese people, hope that the people displaced could return to their home and hope that the children could go to school,” she said.
“In 2016, the 5th Year of South Sudan independence, we expected that the leaders of South Sudan would unite to serve the country in a new path, a path towards stability, peace and prosperity. Regrettably the renewed fighting that took place in Juba in July represented a great setback which drained the peace process,” she said.
“The peace agreement remains the most credible vehicle to revive the peace process and should be implemented in an inclusive manner for all the people of this Country so that they can achieve their dreams and inspirations,” Loej added.
Dr Richael Kabe Molla, Minister of Federal Affairs, representing the government, thanked UNMISS for its assistance to the people of South Sudan.
“We are happy to be celebrating with you the 71 Anniversary of the United Nations. We are only 5th Years old, but we have benefited with the presence in South Sudan,” Molla said. He also said his government is ready to cooperate with UN in regards to the deployment of Regional Protection Force.
“We have had problems, we admitted but we are trying our best to overcome the problems. As you all know the Agreement on Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan was signed in August 2015, the implementation has had some problem but of late, we are moving successful in that direction,” Molla said.