UN extends peacekeeping mission in South Sudan
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This image provided by the UNMISS on July 11, 2016 shows some of the
at least 3000 displaced women, men and children taking shelter at the
UN compound in Tomping area in Juba (AFP Photo - Beatrice Mategwa)
July 29, 2016 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
has extended the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan until 12 August,
in the wake of renewed fighting in and around the capital, Juba.
On Friday the Council in its meeting said there has been renewed heavy
fighting around Juba between rival forces loyal to South Sudan’s
President Salva Kiir and opposition leader, Riek Machar. The mandate
was expected to expire on Sunday but now extended for over a week.
Samantha Power, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, told the
council before the vote that the recent violence in Juba was
"horrifying but sadly not unexpected" because the country’s leaders
are unable to work together for their people.
"We have just received very disturbing reports of significant violence
in the Equatorias (southern states) in South Sudan and all of us need
to be on alert this weekend because events could spiral rapidly out of
control yet again," Power said.
"Let us not be fooled that time is on our side, it is not," she said.
Reacting to the violence in Juba, United Nations Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon called on the Security Council to fortify the peacekeeping
mission. He also urged an arms embargo and sanctions for leaders and
commanders blocking implementation of an August peace deal.
"As we meet, South Sudan remains precariously poised on the brink of
an abyss. The promises of the new State for peace, justice and
opportunity have been squandered," Ban told the told the Security
Council.
"I am appalled by the scale of sexual violence documented by our Human
Rights teams. We demand accountability for all atrocities and that the
leaders of South Sudan commit to the peace process," he added.
U.N. peacekeepers have been deployed in the country since it gained
independence from Sudan in 2011. There are currently some 13,500
troops and police on the ground.
African leaders have called for the U.N. Security Council to authorise
the deployment of a regional protection force to separate South
Sudan’s warring parties.
VISIT TO SOUTH SUDAN
Meanwhile, the United Nations humanitarian chief, Stephen O’Brien, is
expected to visit South Sudan soon to assess the level of humanitarian
situation in the country.
"UN humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien will visit South Sudan from 1-3
August to see at first hand the appalling humanitarian situation and
call for urgent action to alleviate suffering,” announced Farhan Haq,
UN deputy spokesperson for the Secretary General.
He said tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced after
recent fighting in Juba and Wau, adding there is escalating food
insecurity and malnutrition across the country, and a cholera outbreak
has erupted in Juba and Jonglei.
(ST)
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