February 24th 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – The Kenyan and Ugandan governments have both called on the international community to lift sanctions against South Sudan government officials.
Several South Sudan senior government officials are on United Nations and United States sanction list over their role in derailing the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement as well as violation of international human rights laws.
Early this year, the US sanctioned senior government officials including then first vice president Taban Deng Gai for abuse of human rights and divisive acts against the opposition which the US said resulted in the prolongation of the conflict.
Last month, President Salva Kiir urged the region to help in convincing the US to lift sanctions against government official saying they were undermining the revitalized unity government.
Speaking during the swearing in ceremony of four vice presidents of the revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity on Saturday, Kenyan Special Envoy to South Sudan, Kalonzo Musyoka, said lifting sanctions is crucial for the implementation of the peace agreement.
“I want to urge the international community to unite behind the transitional government and to provide the necessary assistance, including the lifting on whatsoever form of sanction against this country in order to enable the nascent government of South Sudan to progress,” Musyoka stressed.
For his part, the Ugandan Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, said in addition to lifting of sanctions, the international community should also support the government in order to stabilize the country.
“This is the time to…ensure that maximum support is given to the government of South Sudan so that it can take off quickly and stabilize the whole country,” Dr. Rugunda told the gathering.
