Security Council hails formation of transitional government in South Sudan

The UN Security Council on Wednesday hailed the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) in South Sudan on April 29 as "an important milestone" in implementation of a peace agreement.

In a press statement issued Wednesday, the council called upon the recently established government to work together to fully implement the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and bring an end to the cycles of violence and suffering.

Recalling the thousands killed, the ongoing human suffering and the deteriorating economic situation, the council highlighted the importance of urgently creating the transitional institutions envisioned in the agreement, which are "needed to maintain security and build trust between the parties," it said.

The 15-nation body also underscored the pressing need for accountability for violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law in South Sudan.

Noting that 2.5 million people were displaced from their homes and 6.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, the council condemned the severe impediments imposed by the parties on the ground to the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The council "called on the TGNU to urgently remove these impediments to ensure aid reaches those in need," said the statement.

The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Ellen Loej, spoke to the press Wednesday in Juba, calling on the Transitional Government to help ensure the free movement of humanitarian assistance, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric at noon briefing.

She also called for appropriate public financial management reforms and institutions to help tackle the deteriorating economy in the country, the spokesman added. Enditem