(Extract)
The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 410th meeting held on 24 December 2013, was briefed by the Commission on the evolution of the situation in South Sudan.
Council, recalling press statement PSC/PR/BR.(CDIX) adopted at its 409th meeting held on 18 December 2013, as well as the press statement issued by the Chairperson of the Commission on 21 December 2013, reiterated its grave concern at the escalating crisis in South Sudan, which has evolved from a political dispute to an armed conflict, with the prospect of rapidly deteriorating further into ethnic clashes and a full‐fledged civil war.
Council expressed Africa’s deep dismay and disappointment that the continent’s newest nation should descend so rapidly into internal strife, and at the failure of political leaders in the country to live up to the hopes and aspirations of their citizens and to respond to the goodwill and solidarity expressed by Africa and the rest of the international community. Council expressed special alarm at the escalation of ethnic mobilization by belligerents, and emphasized that such mobilization of ethnic forces has the potential of causing untold human suffering, tearing apart the social fabric of South Sudan in a manner that causes irreparable societal division and damage, and undermining the institutions of government and security, including the cohesion of the national army, and the viability of the South Sudanese State.
Council also expressed profound concern at the deepening humanitarian crisis in South Sudan and the plight of civilians exposed to attacks and violence by armed groups. Council strongly condemned the attacks against innocent civilians, including the targeting of ethnic groups and other communities, as well as other violations of human rights, notably against women, children and other vulnerable groups. Council further condemned the attack against a camp of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), on 19 December 2013, in Akobo, which resulted in the death of two peacekeepers, and extended its condolences to the families of the victims, the Government of India and the United Nations.
Council reiterated its call for all concerned South Sudanese stakeholders to act in a spirit of patriotism and vision for the greater national interest. Council strongly urged the parties to the conflict to immediately stop ethnic mobilization, and strongly warned all those involved against the dire consequences of their actions. Council also called for an immediate end to any incitement, hostile or ethnic messages, and requested that an opportunity be provided for national figures, religious leaders and others to transmit messages of peace and reconciliation through national media and other appropriate outlets. Council reminded the parties to the conflict in South Sudan of their supreme responsibility of protecting civilians, and urged them to refrain from any actions that endanger civilians, and to facilitate the access and operations of humanitarian agencies and personnel in this respect.