EU Earmarks 45 Million Euros To South Sudan

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso unveiled the new development in a statement released yesterday to the press after a meeting with the South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir Mayardit in Brussels. 

“Our readiness to support has been clear from the onset. Together with our member States we have mobilized € 700 million of development assistance for the years 2011-2013; this year, 2012, we are providing € 45 million in humanitarian assistance,” Barroso said. 

He underlined the need to support peace and stability in South Sudan, saying; “this is crucial for the South Sudanese first and foremost, but it is also a clear contribution to regional stability,” he said. 

Manuel has also called on the governments of South Sudan and Sudan to peacefully address the remaining post-independence outstanding issues. 

“The truth is that both countries (Sudan and South Sudan) are destined to live side by side. They must do so in peace and harmony for the benefit of their peoples.
Both sides must show determination to find a negotiated solution to all remaining outstanding issues,” he urged. 

He reiterated EU’s commitment to work with South Sudan and international partners, in particular the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the African Union, to assist in the consolidation of democracy, respect for the rule of law, good governance, and the fight against corruption.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the accompanying delegation on Tuesday 20th March, 2012, held a series of productive meetings at the EU Headquarters in Brussels with EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Ms. Kristina Geogieva, EU Commissioner for Development Mr. Andris Piebalgs and High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Ms. Catherine Ashton.

In his meetings with the commissioners President of the Republic discussed conditions of refugees in South Sudan and he exchanged views on the developmental challenges in South Sudan.

He also held a separate meeting with President of the European Council Mr. Hermann Van Rompuy and with President of the European Commission Mr. Jose’ Manuel Barroso. The meeting discussed means of strengthening the South Sudan EU cordial relationships which began long time ago before the independence of RSS, and how best the EU and RSS can work together to ensure the viability of RSS as an independent state, and RSS also expresses desire of seeing that Republic of Sudan achieve the same viability. The meeting also focused on the role that the EU can play in resolving the tensions between Sudan and South Sudan, for the EU is in a unique position of influence due to its political relationship with both South Sudan and Sudan.

In a joint press briefing between the two principals after the meeting, President of the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) said the progress made in Addis Ababa to resolve the issues of citizenship and border demarcation is a critical first step in moving beyond the impasse that RSS has been experiencing since December. In light of this, Kiir added, “I’ve invited President Bashir to Juba so that we can further discuss these issues and continue to negotiate with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement soon”.

President Kiir announced that EU reiterated commitments for humanitarian assistance in RSS to ensure internal stability. The support will be prioritized to areas of food security, education and healthcare. President Kiir declared to the press that RSS has submitted the letter of intent to join membership of COTONOU organization, which will be beneficial to the new State and its coming generations.

On his part, President of the European Council, Mr Hermann Van Rompuy said, EU with all members of the international community remains committed to support RSS to establish itself, reduce poverty, and improve healthcare. He emphasized that the EU will assist the efforts of the young nation to consolidating democracy, respect of human rights and the rule of law. Besides the good progress made in Addis Ababa on citizenship and border demarcation President of the EU Council encouraged both sides to settle all the remaining issues including oil and Abyei area.

Mr. Van Rompuy expressed concerns over the ongoing violence at the border areas and worsening of humanitarian situation. He called on the two sides to immediately cease hostilities and find solutions for the crisis through peaceful dialogue. Concerning the crisis of South Kordufan and Blue Nile, President of EU Council appealed to Khartoum to urgently allow access of the international humanitarian aid to those two areas, to avoid any humanitarian crisis. He also expressed concerns on the situations in Jonglei state and urged H.E Kiir to address the root cause of the clashes and restore security in the area.

President of the European Commission Mr. Jose’ Manuel Barroso welcomed the decision of the RSS to join COTONOU agreement which he affirmed that will allow further mobilization for development assistance from EU for the periods of 2014 – 2020 and free marketing access with EU.

Click here for the full speech of Mr. Jose’ Manuel Barroso (EC President)