The members of the Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) said that the revitalization forum for the 2015 peace accord in South Sudan is a unique and critical opportunity to make progress towards peace.
The Troika said in a joint statement on Wednesday that the humanitarian, economic, security, human rights and political situation continues to deteriorate with devastating consequences for the people of South Sudan.
Over half the population now lacks enough food to feed themselves and a third of the population has fled their homes, causing the largest refugee crisis in Africa.
“This situation is intolerable to the region and the international community. It cannot continue,” partly reads the statement.
The three countries pointed out that the region and the international community have repeatedly called for all parties to the conflict to participate in the revitalization forum constructively and in a spirit of compromise and inclusion.
The members of the Troika, according to the statement, fully expect the government of South Sudan to adhere to its repeated public and private commitments to participate in the revitalization forum in good faith, and with the immediate goal of stopping the fighting.
The Troika stated that although South Sudan is a member of IGAD, the government is also a party to the conflict. “To achieve a sustainable peace, no party to the conflict can have undue influence or a veto on the process, including the Government. The opposition also bears responsibility for coming to the table without preconditions. All parties must engage sincerely and make concessions in the national interest; otherwise, the conflict and suffering will continue,” reads the statement.
The Troika said it fully supports IGAD’s continuing effort to build peace and, in particular, the tireless work undertaken by IGAD Special Envoy Ismail Wais to bring the parties together. “The Troika views the HLRF as the essential, inclusive forum to advance peace; other efforts and fora must support the HLRF or risk diverting attention and focus, and delaying progress.”
The group reiterated its intent to stand with IGAD in its efforts to make progress toward peace and effective implementation of the agreement, and its readiness to take action against those who obstruct the process.
The revitalization forum is scheduled to take place on December 18 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.