U.S. Condemns Violence in South Sudan's Unity State

U.S. Condemns Violence in South Sudan's Unity State

Press Statement
Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
October 30, 2014

The United States condemns in the strongest terms the latest attacks by Sudan People’s Liberation Movement /Army - In Opposition (SPLM/A - IO) in and around Bentiu, South Sudan. Since last December, thousands of people have been killed and millions have fled their homes due to the senseless man-made conflict in South Sudan. Despite the parties’ recent acceptance of collective responsibility for the crisis, these current attacks demonstrate that the SPLM/A-IO has yet to abandon violence to achieve its goals. We call on both sides – both of whom have committed violations of the agreement that have delayed peace – to ensure their forces refrain from further actions that violate the January 23 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and undermine the peace process in South Sudan.

As the conflict persists and the humanitarian crisis continues to reach even more appalling levels, it is more urgent than ever to respect previous agreements to end the hostilities, cease the recruitment and mobilization of forces, including that of child soldiers, and engage earnestly in inclusive negotiations. No party should use these latest attacks as an excuse not to engage in the peace process or not to work in good faith to negotiate all necessary elements of a sustainable political transition, achieve a sustainable peace and restore national unity. We remind all parties of the need to guarantee that UNMISS sites and personnel are protected and that UN and other humanitarian agencies have safe, unfettered access to people in need of assistance. The United States remains committed to the people of South Sudan and is determined to hold accountable those who choose violence, standing ready to place sanctions on those who obstruct peace, commit human rights abuses and violations, and block humanitarian assistance.

ENDS

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