The Troika, (United States, United Kingdom, and Norway) in a joint statement Sunday said it is deeply concerned regarding the slow implementation of the South Sudanese peace agreement.
Speaking to journalists during a press conference in Juba on Sunday, the UK Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan Mr. Robert Fairweather expressed his concerns over slow peace implementation in South Sudan.
“We continue to have concerns at slow implementation of the peace agreement, we are also very concerned that the increase in violence impacts on the South Sudanese people and humanitarian workers, and we very much pray for speedier implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan. While also here to celebrate with the people of South Sudan their 10 years of independence,” Fairweather stressed.
The Norwegian Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, Mr. Endre Stiansen, said the Troika countries will continue to support the people of South Sudan.
“We are very committed to working with the people of South Sudan so that you can have the future you want. You voted for independence, now it is time to give that independence meaning,” he said.
For his part, the US Embassy in Juba Chargé d’Affaires Larry Andre, representing the US Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan said they want to see progress in the implementation of the peace deal.
“We continue to congratulate the people of South Sudan for achieving statehood. But we want to see progress towards the peace and prosperity that seems very much at hand 10 years ago. We call for the full implementation of the peace agreement,” he said.
He also called on the South Sudan government to prioritize ending communal violence in parts of the nation.
“But the immediate issue is to stop the killing. The localized violence at the local level is still costing South Sudanese lives, is preventing South Sudanese farmers from producing their crops, and leading to displacement and economic ruin. For any government, the first order of business is to protect the people,” he said.
South Sudan formed a transitional government in February last year to end six years of war. However, the government is yet to form a unified army.
The two European Union special envoys to Sudan and South Sudan visited the country last Wednesday.