US envoy to South Sudan reiterates call for end to violence

JUBA – The United States Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler has reiterated calls on the country’s leaders to take measures to end the violence in the world’s youngest country, saying those behind human rights abuses must be brought to book.

Amb. Adler who was speaking to mark International Day of Peace in Juba on Wednesday said the graduation of the first batch of the unified forces by the parties to the revitalized peace agreement is a great step taken by the parties and called on the leaders to give them resources so as to carry out their mandates professionally.

“A NUF that is adequately resourced, with salaries paid on time, and with diverse representation across all ranks, is vital to reduce conflict and violence,” he said.

“Equally so is meeting the other commitments in the peace agreement, including those related to transitional justice, accountability, reconciliation, and healing. These commitments also include those additional ones outlined by the Deputy SRSG,” he added.

The US diplomat reiterated the commitment of the Troika countries (US, UK and Norway) to support the country’s leaders to fully implement the revitalized peace agreement in order to achieve peace for their people.

“The Troika remains committed to the peace agreement as the only way to deliver the peace, security, and democracy that the South Sudanese people have waited for so long for,” he said.

“We strongly believe the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) must be implemented in full and in accordance with the timescales set out in the roadmap,” he added.

Amb. Adler further called for end to violence and urged the government to bring to justice those behind human rights abuses in the country immediately.

“But violence must end now,” he said. “Lasting peace will only come with justice and accountability and today I reiterate our call for those that have instigated or committed acts of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, against civilians be held accountable for their actions without delay.”