May 2, 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – The European Union (EU) has said it may impose further sanctions on South Sudan if parties to the unity government fail to fulfil the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
As part of the 2018 peace agreement, President Salva Kiir and main armed opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny formed the long-awaited unity government.
In a statement on Thursday, the continental body said it welcomes the February formation of the revitalized unity government by the warring parties saying another crucial step towards instability in the world’s youngest nation would be the conduct of elections at the end of the 36-month transitional period.
“The EU welcomes the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) as a key step towards a long lasting peace as well as inclusive and sustainable development in South Sudan,” reads the statement seen by Nyamilepedia.
“The holding of general elections at the end of the transitional period will be another step towards stability. The new unity Government will have to show a strong and sincere spirit of collaboration to bring security and stabilization, promote much needed reconciliation and justice, and deliver essential basic services to the people of South Sudan. In this regard, the swift appointment of state governors and local governments will be important,” the statement said.
It warned that the body may impose further sanctions should the parties fail to live up to their promises which are provided for in the revitalized peace agreement further welcoming the signing of the Rome declaration between the government and holdout opposition groups.
“The EU stands ready to adopt further restrictive measures should these continue or should the peace process be undermined,” it said.
“Perpetrators of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence must be held accountable,” it added.
