US Gov’t proposes sanctions regime for South Sudan

The US delegation to the United Nations has informed members of the Security Council that it will circulate a draft resolution establishing a UN sanctions regime for conflict-torn South Sudan.

A U.S. official said yesterday that the resolution will establish a mechanism for targeting individuals who are undermining South Sudan’s political stability and abusing human rights.

Reuters quoted the official who spoke on condition of anonymity as saying they believe that targeted measures are appropriate at this time to support efforts to establish a peace agreement and cessation of hostilities.

The official further said that South Sudan President Salva Kiir and the leader of the SPLM-SPLA in Opposition, Dr. Riek Machar must continue to engage in the peace talks led by the African regional bloc, IGAD.

However, the Press Secretary in the office of the President, Ateny Wek Ateny, urged the Security Council not to accept the draft resolution which suggests imposition of sanctions on South Sudan.

“We regret the fact that we commit ourselves to the peace negotiations, while some people are trying to weaken us so that we don’t go into peace which is sustainable,” Mr Ateny told Eye Radio.

“We urge the United Nations Security Council not to take into account what has been actually delivered to them because we are very committed to bringing peace to South Sudan.

“They should impose sanctions on those who are not committed to peace, but not to subject us to what we have already committed ourselves to.”

Mr. Ateny Wek also said if the proposed sanctions are imposed on the warring parties in South Sudan, they would have negative impact on the peace process.