South Sudan sets limits for more UN troops
JUBA: SOUTH Sudan yesterday announced limits on a 4000-strong new peacekeeping force a day after accepting its deployment, saying anyone who enters without consent is an “invader”.
The statement challenges the agreement reached by the visiting UN Security Council, which has threatened an arms embargo if turbulent South Sudan doesn’t comply. The council met President Salva Kiir on Sunday and emerged with a joint statement accepting the new UN-mandated force.
But yesterday, cabinet minister Martin Elia Lomuro said the government must agree on the number of troops, the countries they come from and the arms they carry. Minister of Information Michael Makuei said there will be no force if the conditions are not met.
Kiir’s reluctant acceptance of the deployment followed a Sunday meeting between Juba and a UNSC team led by US permanent representative to the UN, Samantha Power.
“The Security Council agreed that the troops contributing countries, the UN mission and the Transitional Government of National Unity will work through the modalities of deployment; building upon the consultations of August 25 and September 1,” he said.
The UN Security Council and the Transitional Government of National Unity agreed to work in a fresh spirit of co-operation to advance the interest of South Sudanese people, particularly the aspiration for justice, liberty and prosperity, stressed the communiqué.
The Security Council and the government also agreed that “security and humanitarian needs” were paramount.
Juba also pledged to follow through on its commitments to implement the August 2015 peace agreement, agreed to by both Kiir and former opposition leader Dr Riek Machar, who is now in exile after he fled the country claiming his life was in danger.
Juba has agreed the mission will be allowed unimpeded freedom of movement in the country by removing bureaucratic delays such as the organisation requiring written permission from the South Sudan authorities before accessing certain areas in the country.
“The Transitional Government of National Unity commits to devising a plan with the mission by the end of September on the steps to remove impediments to its ability to implement its mandate,” said Lomoro.
Helmoed Heitman, South African correspondent for Jane’s Defence Weekly and an expert on conflict in Africa, said what was desperately needed was the immediate deployment of a huge neutral force to separate the warring factions and enforce peace.
“That force would need to stay at least 10 years,” said Heitman.