The chief of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon yesterday visited South Sudanese displaced people at a UN protection camp in Juba, saying that the people of South Sudan have been “betrayed” by their leaders.

During his one-day visit to Juba, the UN secretary-general visited a primary school in the UN protection site, met with the diplomatic corps, and also met with President Salva Kiir and Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial and spoke by phone to opposition leader Riek Machar.

Ban Ki-moon said in remarks upon leaving Juba that the hope of the South Sudanese people “has been betrayed. It has been betrayed by those who put power and profit over people.”

“The people of this land suffered decades of bloody civil war. Yet over the last two years, the nightmare has returned with a vengeance. Killings. Rape. Children forced into becoming soldiers. Massive human rights violations. And epic corruption,” he said.

Ban contined, “South Sudan now has a peace agreement – signed last August. Respecting the terms of the peace agreement is not an option.  It is a must. I am encouraged by the proposed compromise on implementing security arrangements for Juba.”

“My message to the leaders of South Sudan is clear: Put peace above politics.  Pursue compromise.  Overcome obstacles. Establish the Transitional Government of National Unity. And do not delay it.”

Photos courtesy of UNMISS