IGAD, Troika and EU Condemn Calls For Armed Conflict In South Sudan

The IGAD, Troika, and EU partners of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) have issued a joint statement condemning calls by South Sudan's opposition leaders for a renewal of armed conflict in the country.

JUBA, 06 October 2016 [Gurtong] – The statement says that further fighting will not solve South Sudan’s pressing political and economic challenges.

"It will only increase the suffering of South Sudan’s people, worsen a grave humanitarian crisis, and further inflame ethnic tensions," reads the statement in part.

"Both the government and armed opposition groups bear responsibility for renewed hostilities since July’s clashes in Juba. We are deeply concerned by heavy fighting around the country in recent weeks, including near Yei, Wau, Bentiu, and Nassir."

The TROIKA also say that they are particularly alarmed by reports of widespread violence against civilians. 

As a result of this violence, more civilians have been internally displaced and more than one million South Sudanese have now sought refuge in neighboring countries.  Continued conflict in South Sudan threatens the peace and security of its neighbors and the region. In line with the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, we call on the government and armed opposition groups to immediately adhere to the permanent ceasefire.

They are calling upon on the Transitional Government of National Unity and leaders of opposition groups alike to recommit themselves, consistent with the peace agreement, to peaceful dialogue based on the following principles.