April 25, 2014(Washington) — The government of Sudan and its citizens condemn, in the strongest terms, the deliberate killing of civilians last week in Bantu- many of them nationals of the Sudan who were caught in an ethnically motivated war. There is no justification whatsoever for this senseless massacre of innocent people who sought refuge and protection in mosques, churches and hospitals. If the warring parties cannot respect such sacred places and basic human rights, what else can they respect?
Since the eruption of violence in South Sudan last year, the Sudanese people and their government continue to call for a political settlement for the conflict and have exerted a sincere effort through H.E president Bashir’s visits to Juba, active participation, and contribution to IGAG and AU efforts. Knowing that Juba is providing a save heaven for Sudanese rebel groups (JEM &SLM) and hosting foreign troops on its territory, Sudan indicated clearly that the presence of those forces will only complicate an already complicated situation.
Our obligation as member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) including South Sudan is to be abide by the pact that designated JEM and [the] Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) as negative forces that threaten [the] security of the region and obliged member countries not to deal with them. Unfortunately, our innocent fellow citizens are the ones who are paying for their lives for these ill-advised tactics and maneuvering.
The latest wave of attacks and atrocities has generated a wide range of international condemnation and outcry. To start a real peace process, the region and the international community must exert strong pressure on the warring parties to uphold the signed cease fire and sit down for negotiations while forcing the foreign troops and Sudanese rebel out of South Sudan.
Embassy of Sudan Press and Information Office, phone: +1-202-338-8565, or fax: +1-202-667-2406
SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan
