Joint statement on South Sudan

Statement of the IGAD, Troika and EU Partners of JMEC

Regarding Calls for Armed Conflict

The IGAD, Troika, and EU partners of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) condemn calls by opposition leaders for a renewal of armed conflict. Further fighting will not solve South Sudan's pressing political and economic challenges. It will only increase the suffering of South Sudan's people, worsen a grave humanitarian crisis, and further inflame ethnic tensions.

Both the government and armed opposition groups bear responsibility for renewed hostilities since July's clashes in Juba. We are deeply concerned by heavy fighting around the country in recent weeks, including near Yei, Wau, Bentiu, and Nassir. We are particularly alarmed by reports of widespread violence against civilians. As a result of this violence, more civilians have been internally displaced and more than one million South Sudanese have now sought refuge in neighboring countries. Continued conflict in South Sudan threatens the peace and security of its neighbors and the region. In line with the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, we call on the government and armed opposition groups to immediately adhere to the permanent ceasefire.

Our governments have repeatedly made clear our shared conviction that there can be no military solution to South Sudan's problems. Resolving South Sudan's conflicts requires genuine and inclusive dialogue representing the viewpoints of all South Sudanese people. We therefore call on the Transitional Government of National Unity and leaders of opposition groups alike to recommit themselves, consistent with the peace agreement, to peaceful dialogue based on the following principles:

• The parties must agree to resolve their differences through a political process rather than through armed conflict;
• The political process must be inclusive of all parties, communities, factions, and voices;
• The parties must agree to undertake implementation of the reforms outlined in the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

We fully understand that the process of rebuilding trust and undertaking necessary compromises will a difficult one, and are prepared to support that process. We firmly believe that South Sudan's leaders must finally act to meet the demands of their people and end this senseless conflict.

Endorsed by:

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
European Union
Republic of Kenya
Kingdom of Norway
Republic of Uganda
United Kingdom
Republic of Sudan
United States of America