Facebook
Twitter
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • South Sudan
  • World
  • Education
  • Health
  • Travel

US, UK downplay significance of Kiir’s ceasefire announcement

May 24, 2017Breaking News, News, South SudanNo Commentssouthsudannews

United States’ deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Michele Sison. Photo: UN/Getty Images/File

Juba/New York, May 24, 2017 (SSNA) — The United States and the United Kingdom said South Sudan’s President recent declaration of the unilateral ceasefire is not new, saying Kiir is simply repeating the same promises he previously announced.

United States’ deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, Michele Sison, blasted Kiir’s announcement, saying South Sudanese President had told leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) the same promise two months ago. She added that Kiir declared a ceasefire after his forces carried out attacks in many locations.

UK Ambassador to UN Matthew Rycroft also said Kiir’s ceasefire is not convincing.

“I note with skepticism, but not surprise, that on the day the ceasefire was announced, government offensives continued in Yei and attacks by militia groups continue still,” Rycroft told the 15-member Council. He added that Kiir must “prove that these are meaningful commitments, not just convenient timing with the start of the rainy season when fighting is made more difficult.”

The US and Britain also urged other council members to support UN arms embargo on South Sudan. Russia said an arms embargo would not solve anything.

Kiir declared a ceasefire on Monday, ordered the release of political prisoners, and banned rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar from South Sudan. The move was received with mixed with some senior armed opposition figures calling Kiir’s announcement “nonsense.”

Previous post Ethiopia to lead the World Health Organization

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

  • US, UK downplay significance of Kiir’s ceasefire announcement May 24, 2017
  • Ethiopia to lead the World Health Organization May 23, 2017
  • Exclusive: Former Ugandan intelligence officer accuses the West of failing South Sudan May 21, 2017
  • Millions of South Sudanese face “severe food insecurity” May 21, 2017
  • U.S. Sudan Policy Continues to be Defined by Disingenuousness and Distortion: Radio Dabanga’s interview with former Obama administration Special Envoy for the Sudans Donald Booth May 21, 2017
  • Response to the libelous press release by the so-called Nuer Community in the United States May 20, 2017
  • UN accuses South Sudan of carrying out ethnic killings in Yei May 19, 2017
  • Rebel General blasts ousted army chief over recruitment of “blood-thirsty ethnic militias” May 13, 2017
  • South Sudan army chief sacked May 9, 2017
  • New Militia Attacks on African Villages in Darfur Are Emblematic of Continuing Genocide: The World’s Forgetting and Ignoring is Now Complete May 8, 2017
CultureElectionsAbout SSNAPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseSSNA ArchiveContact Us
Copyright © 2017 South Sudan News Agency. All Rights Reserved.