The members of the ‘Troika’ — the United Kingdom, the United States, and Norway — have expressed concern over “growing levels of violence across South Sudan.”
In a joint statement at the 36th extraordinary summit of IGAD heads of State and Government on Tuesday, the Troika group said:” We are seeing growing levels of violence across South Sudan. 6.5 million South Sudanese already face acute food insecurity, many of those in areas impacted by the recent floods and locust swarms. Covid-19 has added an extra layer of complexity to what was already a challenging situation.”
The three countries said the recent rising intercommunal violence across the country, particularly in Jonglei but also in Warrap and Lakes states, has left at least 60,000 people displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. It added that rising violence presents a fundamental challenge to the continued credibility of the ceasefire and the peace agreement.
Last month, President Salva Kiir formed a committee to address the root causes of intercommunal violence in the Greater Jonglei region.
The Troika, however, commended the parties to the revitalized peace deal, for recent progress including the appointment of state governors.
“We look forward to the swift appointment of the remaining positions in Jonglei and Upper Nile states and the establishment of functioning governance structures in all states,” the Troika said.
It added, “We also welcome the appointment of one female governor, although we note with disappointment that the agreement’s commitment to appoint a minimum of 35% women has not been met. This is despite the fact that women and girls are heavily impacted by gender-based violence in areas of conflict, and remain among the most marginalized populations in the country.”
The Troika says it remains deeply concerned with the lack of progress in other areas and calls upon the parties to further accelerate the implementation of the peace agreement.
“The Summit must encourage the Transitional Government to act quickly with all parties working together to stem the violence, in line with its responsibility to protect the population and its role in enabling humanitarian access,” the Troika said.