UNITED NATIONS, December 15 — A year after conflict broke out in South Sudan, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed disappointment with the lack of a peace deal.
"[I am] dismayed and saddened that the parties have yet to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. The leaders of South Sudan have allowed their personal ambitions to jeopardize the future of an entire nation," Ban said Sunday.
The secretary general demanded that the "killing must stop now," lamenting the "disappearing before our eyes" foundations of tolerance, good governance and accountability that marked a new beginning for the country's independence struggle.
And so, Ban said, "I once again call on the leadership of both sides to agree to an inclusive, power sharing arrangement to begin a transitional phase of governance that will address both the root causes of the conflict and ensure accountability for the crimes committed over the past year. They must end the culture of impunity if reconciliation and a sustainable peace are to be achieved."
On November 7, responding to a South Sudan peace deal brokered by the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), Ban issued a statement commending its Heads of State for their "strong stance" in the interest of the people of South Sudan.
The UN at that time said that Ban "is encouraged by the parties' intent to cease hostilities immediately and reach agreement on an inclusive power sharing agreement within 15 days."
Trying to get that process back on track, Ban appealed to the international community to "put its collective weight" behind the peace process and commended the African Union Peace and Security Council for creating a Heads of State ad-hoc committee for this purpose. The secretary general pledged the UN's full support of the peace process, protection of civilians and provision of humanitarian assistance.
