JMEC wants UNSC to hasten deployment of Regional Protection Force to Juba
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE, PRESS RELEASE, (For Immediate Publication), 24 January 2017, Juba, South Sudan
24 January 2017, Juba, South Sudan
January 24, 2017 (SSB) — The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation (JMEC) has called on the United Nations Security Council to hasten the deployment of the Regional Protection Force (RPF) to the South Sudan capital, Juba. This, JMEC said, will “provide a safe, neutral and secure environment in support of the peace process”.
Addressing the UNSC in New York yesterday, JMEC chairman H.E Festus Mogae said the deployment is important in order to guarantee continued stability in Juba and secure environment for implementation of the peace agreement.
Mogae said this will also allow the government to redeploy the bulk of the army currently protecting Juba to the other parts of the country to restore law and order.
“Such spirit of determination, coordinated actions and uniform voices are critical for effective intervention in South Sudan. JMEC appeals to the UN Security Council to remain actively seized of the situation in South Sudan and to ensure that the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) and all the parties live up to their responsibilities,” he said.
He asked the world body to take note of the President Salva Kiir’s National Dialogue initiative, adding that without genuine inclusivity, and without addressing the results of the July events “there is unlikely to be sustainable peace in South Sudan”.
Addressing the 15-member council chaired by President Olof Skoog, Mogae said estranged parties formerly within the TGoNU must denounce violence and embrace dialogue.
He asked the Security Council condemn the escalating violence in different parts of the country including targeted killings of civilians in the greater Equatoria region, and renewed fighting in parts of Upper Nile and Unity States.
According to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) reports, he said, there are different armed groups emerging and operating in these areas, some allied to the former Parties to the peace agreement.
Others simply opportunistic elements, he said.
“It is regrettable, that some of these groups are targeting civilians and particular communities in what appears to be a combination of revenge killings, and struggle for territorial control. I have appealed to the TGoNU before, and now appeal to the Security Council to take whatever steps are necessary to halt these senseless killings,” H.E Mogae said.
ENDS
For further information, please contact comms@jmecsouthsudan.org
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