UN Security Council tasks South Sudan on ethnic reconciliation
New York, US – UN Security Council on Tuesday called on warring ethnic communities in South Sudan’s Jonglei state to engage in reconciliation and end the ‘cycle of conflict’ that has claimed some many lives in recent weeks. In a statement, signed by Ambassador Baso Sangqu of South Africa, which holds the Council presidency this month, the 15-member Council voiced deep concern at the situation in Jonglei.
It stated: ‘Violence in any form is unacceptable,’ and called on all communities in Jonglei to ‘immediately end the cycle of conflict and engage in a reconciliatory peace process’.
The Council members said they were concerned that UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) had a shortfall of operational helicopters, seriously affecting its ability to carry out its mandate in the newly independent country.
They, therefore, urged UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to continue his efforts to resolve this issue.
The statement also welcomed the efforts of the South Sudanese government to protect civilians and mediate a solution to the crisis in Jonglei.
It also urged authorities to continue their efforts to resolve the root causes of the recurring violence between the communities, which have often been linked to disputes over cattle and grazing land.
The Council members further raised alarm about both the quantity and sophistication of the weaponry used in the most recent clashes.
They emphasized the need for greater security sector reform within South Sudan and for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former rebel fighters across the country.
Deadly clashes between the Lou Nuer and Murle communities in recent weeks have displaced tens of thousands of civilians and led to UN agencies launching a major humanitarian operation to assist those in need.
Peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have also been deployed to the area to support the efforts of government forces to restore peace and security, while daily air and land patrols have been stepped up to deter further attacks.
Pana 11/01/2012
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