The following statement was issued jointly by the Governments of
the United Kingdom, United States of America and the Kingdom of
Norway:
The formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity
in February was a major step forward in South Sudan’s peace
process. Since then, a new challenge has emerged, not just for
South Sudan, but for all of us. COVID-19 is a truly global
challenge that has far-reaching political and economic impacts.
The Troika will continue to support South Sudan in its
response.
We are deeply concerned at the increased levels of violence
across South Sudan. This causes immense suffering for the
people of South Sudan, puts in jeopardy any gains that have
been made, and has implications across the region. In Jonglei,
the vacuum created by the lack of governance has exacerbated
cycles of intercommunal violence. In Central Equatoria, the
ceasefire signed in January between the government and
non-signatory groups has broken down and we have seen heavy
fighting between forces in recent weeks, with villages
destroyed and their communities displaced. Shocking reports of
sexual violence against women and girls continue. We are
concerned with the impact of the fighting on humanitarian
access.
Now is the moment for the President and Vice Presidents,
supported by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and
the guarantors of the peace agreement, to agree on the
selection of governors and to move forward to govern together
for the benefit of the people of South Sudan. Any further delay
creates uncertainty that undermines the transition process,
slows the fight against COVID-19, and holds back efforts to end
the violence that now threatens the hard-won peace.
