Ambassador Mesfins Statement to SC on South Sudan Inclusively must remain the principle that guides the peace process, and this entails participation of stakeholders without discrimination. This show not be negotiable. 03 July 2014 (Gurtong Editors: This is most likely an unofficial translation of Mesfins statement) Statement of Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin, Chair of the IGAD Special Envoy on the Conflict in South Sudan at the UN Security COUNCIL Interactive Dialogue 27 June 2014. Mr. President thank you for the invitation to have this interactive dialogue with Security Council on the efforts of IGAD to end the South Sudan conflict. I wish to take the opportunity to thank the United Nation for the critical and timely support provided to us. What progress we have made is, in part due to close cooperation that we have enjoyed with the AU, the UN, the Troika, the EU and the peoples republic of China among others. However, I regret to inform this council that the parties to the conflict are not demonstrating full cooperation, and unfortunately it is the people of South Sudan who are paying the consequences of this intransigence. It is in this regard, that I come to you today to seek your collective resolve in demonstrating to the parties that this conflict, and their (un)willingness to engage the process in good faith towards peaceful resolution of the crisis, is unacceptable. We must therefore, continue to demonstrate a unified voice that the International community will not stand idly by as the tragedy in South Sudan continues. We are absolutely convinced that this is the only way that we can succeed in sending the right signal. Therefore, unity of purpose is critical. Mr. President, The republic of South Sudan was born with great hope. But in just two and a half years, it is the middle of a conflict that has divided its people, distressed the surrounding region, and dashed the hope of its many friends. The efforts of this conflict has been devastating: the loss of lives and livelihoods, the displacement, the flight to exile, the passing of the planting season resulting in food insecurity, and a looming crisis affecting millions. Mr. President, When conflict erupted in December 2013, IGAD moved quickly to convene s Summit of heads of State and Government, appoint special envoys to lead an IGAD meditation, call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the start of talks inclusive of representative of broad sectors of South Sudan society. From the outset, what was essential was to stop the killings: but it was also obvious that to deal with the South Sudan crisis in an effective way, the dialogue that had been missing had to be given priority. Returning to the status quo ante by bringing the two sides into power sharing agreement would not resolve the crisis, but postpones it. South Sudan had to be assigned to deal with the underlying causes of the crisis and to guarantee its peaceful future by ushering in a new political dispensation- one of that would enjoy broad endorsement of the people of South Sudan. Thus, IGAD has facilitated an inclusive, multi stakeholders negotiation toward a transnational agenda, including enactment of reforms, interim institutions, and reconciliation measure to be implemented by a Transitional Government of National Unity in accordance with the May 9 Agreement. Before outlining the challenges and the way forward, I would like to point out the efforts made and commitments expressed to date: - IGAD heads of State And Government have met four times since hostilities broke out in mid-December; - A Cessation of Hostilities agreement have been signed along its implementation mechanism; - Monitoring and verification teams have started work in the three affected States of Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity, and the protection Forces has also begun deployment within UNMISS; - The SPLM leaders detained by the Government have been released; - the two parties recommitted themselves to facilitating humanitarian access and to the ceasefire and decided to mark a Month of Tranquillity; - the two sides agreed on an agenda for political talks and established working committees on political and security matters; -President Kiir and Dr. Machar were brought to face to face meetings on two occasions and signed an agreement to end the conflict in South Sudan, through an inclusive process that would set the stage in two months for the establishment of a Transitional Government of National Unity; - Representatives of all South Sudan stakeholders including the Government and the Opposition came together for a symposium to set the stage for multi- stakeholder negotiations. However, signing agreements and making pledges is one thing, and implementing them is quite another. Despite the commitments expressed, the situation remained dire, and the challenges to the process persist. Among the challenges are 1 Lack of Political Will: From what we observe, the parties appear not to (be) fully committed to the negotiated settlement of the crisis, as agreements signed have not been implemented; 2 Continued Pursuits of Military Solution: Although fighting has reduced in recent weeks, the warring parties do not appear ready to stop the war and to end the killings, have continuously violated the Cessation of Hostilities agreement, and continue to pursue a military solution to the crisis; 3 Reluctance to engage in an Inclusive process: Despite their commitments to a truly Inclusive process, and the government’s more recent willingness to engage in a multi stakeholders format, we continue to face fundamental challenges in bringing the two parties into meaningful dialogue with other stakeholders, including the SPLM leaders (Former Detainees), political parties, Civil society organisation, faith based leaders and the Deteriorating Humanitarians Situation: The war has caused the loss of lives in tens of thousands, displaced many more and destructed the planting season, creating a looming disaster and food crisis boarding famine. Mr. President, A symposium to enable a free exchange of ideas in this an atmosphere of equality and shared responsibility was saved literally at the very last minute as one or two other side held out for concession on representation. Despite weeks of consultation in the wake up the 10 June IGAD summit, Multi- stakeholders’ negotiations towards a political transition have yet to commence. The two parties to the conflict create one excuse after another as they attempt to scuttle, narrow or delay the process. Each party appears to be riding two horses at the same time. There compelled the meditation to adjourn the meeting at the beginning of this week. This begs the question: are the two leaders ready for peace? Our answer is - they have to be. However, my fear is that they might be victims of a zero sum mind set in which victory can only be gained by the total defeat of the other. Agreements are harnessed only insofar as they serve to constraint the other side. Will this peace process succeed? Our response is that they must succeed. We cannot allow one or two the other side to make a mockery of the agreements reached, because the consequences are dire. We can also not be short-sighted, setting for the kind of false peace- that will only last until next quarrel among political leaders. The people of South Sudan have in various ways expressed the view that they want a real lasting peace and just solution that address the concerns of more than two ACTORS that have engage in fighting. They are calling for a peace in which those who have committed crimes in the past six months will be held to account. And we in a region are committed to a peace that contributes to the stability of the entries region. We believe that is what the United Nation should stand for. In the face of continue intransigence, we must now alter the landscape in which this peace process takes place. If not, we will continue to watch two parties advance military objectives and personal interests over the welfare of their people. If the friends of South Sudan and the partners stand together and apply the sort of considered and targeted pressure that will yield positive results in the direction of resolving the conflict, success will come to the people of South Sudan. In this regard, we seek your understanding and sustained cooperation. And then, let us not forget that South Sudan has abundant resources. It does not take much imagination to predict how the demand for resources would regionalize and even internationalize the conflict. We cannot allow this to happen. I propose that the Council give priority to the following: 1 -The Council should remain united, to continue to provide political and other necessary support to our meditation efforts and demand the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement. 2 -The strengthening of UNMISS protection mandate must be felt on the ground, particularly in the three States affected by war. The Protection Force must start its work promptly. Mobility is vital. The time is of the essence. 3 -If the parties continues to make a mockery of the agreement they have signed, there must be consequences, and here again we must act together to demonstrate our collective resolve. In this regard, IGAD heads of States called on all parties to refrain from the behaviours that would obstruct an inclusive peace process, and pronounced that it would take further collective action to pressure any party who fails to honours its commitments including through imposition of punitive measures. The AU 12 June 2014 communiqué, likewise affirms its readiness to enact similar measures. 4- Inclusively must remain the principle that guides the peace process, and this entails participation of stakeholders without discrimination. This show not be negotiable. South Sudan is a diverse Country and its diversity should be reflected around the table as representatives negotiate their country’s future. Parties have to implement what they have agreed, and for this, calibrated pressure must be applied from all sides. 5 The work of AU commission of injury must be assisted and expedited. We should take heed of reports on human rights, and should not condone impunity to contribute to national reconciliation and healing. 6 Humanitarian assistance must be redoubled. Commitments made in Washington and Norway should be materialise. Insecurity has disrupted the planting season and massive support must be given to South Sudan if we are to avoid a looming disaster. 7 we understand that the UNSC is planning to visit our region including South Sudan. The Council should consider holding its session in Addis Ababa Ethiopia where the parties in conflict could be available for engagement with the council. The presence of the UNSC in South Sudan can only be strengthen those that stand for peace and serves to pressure those that have not preventing. As IGAD we say, let us move forward along these lines. In conclusion, Mr President, Let me once again thanks the Council for its well-placed concern about situation in South Sudan and for the vital support you have been providing to help the meditation process in many ways. We look forward to continued productive engagement with you in the weeks and months ahead. I thank you! Ambassador Seyoum Mesfin chair of the IGAD special Envoys on the conflict in South Sudan 27/6/2014.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 06:23:21 +0000
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