UK says caretaker government weakens consensus in South Sudan
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eye Radio
The UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Kate Foster, told the Security Council that the new transition arrangements weaken political consensus, while key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement remain unimplemented. She called on all parties to respect the ceasefire, protect civic space and engage in dialogue, saying elections must not deepen divisions, according to Eye Radio.
The United Kingdom believes that the establishment of new transition arrangements in South Sudan has weakened political consensus at a critical moment, while key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement remain unimplemented. Kate Foster, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, said so on Tuesday 10 November before the Security Council in New York.
She recalled that South Sudanese have the right to choose their leaders, but that elections must contribute to peace and stability, without deepening divisions or replacing the political process. She called on all parties to respect the ceasefire, protect political and civic space and engage in inclusive dialogue. She welcomed the work of the African Union, IGAD, UN envoy Nicholas Haysom and the AU High Representative, former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete.
On the humanitarian front, Ms Foster said that renewed fighting is driving families from their homes, worsening hunger and complicating access for humanitarian organisations. Nearly eight million people face acute food insecurity. She asked the authorities to protect civilians and guarantee humanitarian access. She also regretted the low level of essential public spending: only 2% of the national budget goes to health and education.
The statement comes after the UN’s denunciation, on 27 October, of a "constitutional coup" by Salva Kiir.
