Mr. Chairperson, colleagues,
On behalf of the Troika; the United States, United Kingdom and Norway, I once again urge the transitional government to fulfil its commitment to the people of South Sudan by implementing the peace agreement. With only five months left until the elections according to the Roadmap, the Transitional Government and parties must intensify their efforts to create the conditions that make genuine and peaceful elections possible and that advance peace, human rights, and democracy.
We call upon all parties to engage in dialogue, both among leaders in Juba and at the Tumaini Initiative talks in Kenya. Willingness to engage in dialogue is a key indicator of political will to take the steps needed to establish a better future for the South Sudanese people.
We renew our call for a leadership-level inter-party dialogue that includes the President, the First Vice President, and other leaders. This dialogue should have the objective of making genuine and peaceful elections possible. The parties must work together to find a way to achieve this including by addressing the 10 key issues identified by UNMISS, the African Union, and IGAD. The Tumaini initiative provides a foundation for the inclusion of the non-signatory groups to sustain peace and should complement the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.
More than 30 days have now passed since the Transitional National Legislative Assembly’s passage of legislation that gives the National Security Service the authority to conduct arrests and detentions without warrants. We are gravely concerned that these controversial provisions may enter into force. Enactment of the bill into law would undermine the transitional government’s assertions that political and civic space exists. All South Sudanese should have the right to participate freely in political and civic expression without fear of arbitrary arrest or intimidation by security personnel.
We are concerned that security sector reform is not taking place as agreed. Despite claims by the Government that the majority of the first batch of Necessary Unified Forces were deployed across the security sector, CTSAMVM reports that deployment remains at seven per cent of the planned 83,000 forces and is limited to the SSPDF. Security sector reform is necessary to counter the growing impact of intercommunal violence, and to create a conducive environment for political campaigning prior to the elections.
The coming months will be extremely challenging. The difficult economic situation has negative political and security implications. Over 3 million people may be affected by floods. 750.000 returnees and refugees from Sudan have sought shelter in South Sudan, and many need assistance. Teachers and public servants are experiencing significant salary arrears.
While the international community will continue to support the people of South Sudan, it is imperative that the Transitional Government provides the necessary aid and resources to the most vulnerable groups in response to escalating needs.
Thank you.
Delivered by Lars Petter Henie, Deputy Head of Mission, Norwegian Embassy in Juba.