EU warns South Sudan peace saboteurs
South Sudanese wave the flags of their country and dance to a celebratory song at the Dr John Garang Mausoleum as they celebrate the third anniversary of independence on July 9, 2014. PHOTO/AFP
What you need to know:
- South Sudanese can be spared further violence and famine
- Political infighting between President Salva Kiir and former VP Riek Machar turned into a full-fledged conflict in mid-December
NAIROBI
The European Union on Thursday warned individuals who are obstructing peace in South Sudan and vowed to do everything possible to avert further suffering of the people.
The EU said in a statement that the full implementation of a ceasefire deal and the rapid resumption of talks leading to the formation of a transitional government of national unity is the only way the South Sudanese can be spared further violence and famine and begin to recover from the violence and desperation of recent months.
Despite all the efforts to resolve the crisis by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), fighting in South Sudan has continued over the past six months.
"It is now time for the South Sudanese leaders to rise to the challenge and start negotiating in good faith towards a peaceful, equitable and sustainable solution," the EU said.
Political infighting between President Salva Kiir and former vice president turned into a full-fledged conflict in mid-December 2013 that has uprooted over one million people, including thousands of civilians who have sought safety at UNMISS bases around the country for months since the violence began.
