Fresh peace deal 'first step' in resolving South Sudan crisis: Security Council

“The Security Council acknowledges that this Agreement is the first step in reversing the difficult political and economic situation, and humanitarian, and security catastrophe resulting from this crisis, calls upon the parties, with support from the United Nations and international community, to fully implement the Agreement,” the 15-member body declared in a press statement.

The deal towards ending the months-long crisis was signed by President Kiir two days ago and the Council expressed its concern with any statement by any party suggesting a lack of commitment to implement it.

Confirming its intention to move swiftly to update the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to support implementation of key tasks in the Agreement, the Council also expressed its readiness to consider “appropriate measures to ensure full implementation of the Agreement…and address any violations or failures of any party to implement its provisions, including through the imposition of an arms embargo and additional targeted sanctions.”

Through its statement, the Council expressed deep appreciation for the work of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in leading the mediation since the onset of the crisis, and commended the recently expanded efforts of the "IGAD-Plus" configuration involving 19 countries and organizations including the United Nations “to develop and achieve a comprehensive solution that has now established a foundation to deliver a peace to South Sudan.

“The Security Council urges the continued close engagement of IGAD and IGAD-Plus partners in the critical period ahead,” continued the statement.

Underscoring the pressing need to ensure accountability for serious violations and abuses of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law, the Security Council takes note in this regard of Chapter V of the Agreement.

It also further recognizes the work of the African Union Commission of Inquiry in independent and public human rights monitoring, investigation and reporting, and anticipates with interest its findings and recommendations and encourages the public release of the final report as soon as possible on South Sudan.

Photo: UN Photo/JC McIlwaine