South Sudan Transitional Government ‘an Essential Milestone’ Toward Peace

Please see below statement from Refugees International Senior Advocate for Human Rights Daniel P. Sullivan:

“The announcement by South Sudan’s president and opposition leader that they will form a transitional government ahead of Saturday’s deadline is an essential milestone, but it’s not the end of the road toward peace. South Sudan’s leaders must still resolve key issues, including outstanding questions on the number of states and unification of forces. One-third of the country’s population remains displaced and food insecurity estimates are alarming. And now the scourge of locusts affecting East Africa has reached South Sudan.

The engagement and pressure brought to bear by the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway and South Sudan’s regional neighbors in the lead up to the deadline will be just as important in the next stage, if a return to violence is to be avoided. The status quo is dire enough without the added challenge of further man-made disaster.”

Daniel P. Sullivan is the author of a recent report, “No Confidence: Displaced South Sudanese Await ‘Real Peace’” based on field research in South Sudan on prospects for peace and ongoing challenges for the return for those who remain forcibly displaced.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Daniel, please contact me at ssheffer@refugeesinternational.org or 202 540 7029.