The European Union is urging South Sudan’s political leaders to fully implement the 2018 peace deal to break the cycle of violence in the East African country.
The EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Mr. Janez Lenarčič, a member of the European Commission said Thursday in Juba that the EU will not hesitate to sanction individuals blocking the implementation of the South Sudan’s peace deal.
“It’s an agreement among the South Sudanese themselves and it’s an agreement that has the backing of the international community including the European Union that’s why European Union will not hesitate to act against any further attempt to undermine the peace process including by considering sanctioning individuals responsible for such undermining.” Said Mr. Janez Lenarčič.
He further said the European Union would continue to work with South Sudan’s government to advance implementation of the 2018 peace deal, adding that peace is needed in South Sudan.
“The country is grappling with the worse food insecurity ever since its independence, I saw with my own eyes yesterday when I visited some localities in the state of Jonglei and Pibor.” He continued.
He further said the European Union is mobilising more than 43 million Euros (approximately 52 million United States Dollars) to support humanitarian needs in South Sudan in 2021.
Mr. Janez Lenarčič, arrived in Juba on Tuesday, he is the highest EU representative visiting the country since 2015.
He has met with president Kiir and first vice president Riek Machar.
