February 18th 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – The European Union (EU) has welcomed the return of South Sudan to 10 states but said the parties should resolve other pending issues, such as the new deadlock over the newly created administrative areas, before the formation of the unity government.
This comes days after President Salva Kiir Mayardit agreed to an opposition demand to return the country to its original ten states before unity government is formed.
SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar welcomed, in a statement, Kiir’s decision but expressed concerns over creation of new administrative areas over fear of land disputes.
In a statement this morning, EU envoys to South Sudan welcomed Kiir’s decision as an important step toward the formation of the revitalized unity government.
“The Heads of Mission recognise the important decision by President Kiir on Saturday 15th February on the issue of states. This is a significant step towards the formation of an inclusive Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and towards the peace that the South Sudanese people so urgently need and so richly deserve,” the statement seen by Nyamilepedia partly reads.
“There remain challenges and issues that will require further discussion and agreement among the parties to the peace agreement before and after the formation of the RTGoNU. Saturday’s announcement, including the Administrative Areas, requires additional dialogue among the parties,” the statement added.
“Many challenges also remain with respect to the Transitional Security Arrangements. We encourage parties to engage in these discussions as soon as possible, collaboratively and with a spirit of compromise.
“We look forward to the expeditious formation of a fully inclusive RTGoNU. We are confident that the important role being played by Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, by the African Union and by their member states will continue in this regard.
“The European Union, along with Canada and Switzerland, looks forward to working with the inclusive RTGoNU to strengthen our support to the people of South Sudan for social and economic development and for the full realisation of their human rights.”
