Welcoming Communique of Intergovernmental Authority on Development Countries, Secretary-General Calls upon South Sudan’s Leaders to Set Aside Differences

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the communique of the Heads of State and Government of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) PLUS countries.  He commends the IGAD leaders for their decisive action and welcomes the Government of South Sudan's acceptance of a regional protection force.  He calls on all South Sudanese leaders to set aside their personal differences and demonstrate their commitment to the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, which remains the only viable path to ending the crisis.

The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the continued fighting in the country and calls for an immediate end to the hostilities.  He is outraged by the continued reports of serious human rights violations and abuses, including widespread sexual violence against women and young girls, committed by armed men in uniform.  He calls on all parties to uphold their responsibility to protect civilians and demands that they take immediate steps to hold accountable those responsible for these despicable crimes.

The Secretary-General reiterates his commitment to work with all South Sudanese, IGAD, the African Union and international partners to implement the recommendations of today’s summit.