Welcome
The Federal Foreign Office on the formation of a transitional government in South Sudan
A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson today (22 February) issued the following statement on the formation of a transitional government in South Sudan:
The formation of a transitional government in South Sudan on 22 February 2020 is an important step towards the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement. We encourage the parties to breathe life into the substance of the agreement in a spirit of cooperation, inclusivity and compromise. We, like the people of South Sudan, are aware that there are still many challenges to be overcome on the way to a sustainable peace. These include, in particular, the reformation of the security sector with the involvement of all parties, but also the establishment of the rule of law, transparent governance and a judicial system which the people can trust. The formation of a transitional government now provides an opportunity to push forward on these and other important tasks.
Women play a significant role in peace processes, and Germany proactively advocates, not least in the UN Security Council, for their involvement in such processes. The Federal Government therefore welcomes the fact that the South Sudanese peace agreement calls for at least 35 percent women’s representation across public offices, and urges the political actors to consistently implement this goal.
The people of South Sudan deserve peace, stability and progress on human rights observance. The Federal Government will continue to support the people of South Sudan and to that end will enter into dialogue with the new transitional government.
Background information:
After years of violent conflict in South Sudan, the parties to the conflict agreed a peace accord in 2015, but violence erupted again in 2016. Having agreed on a renewed ceasefire at the end of 2017, the parties to the conflict signed another peace agreement in 2018. This agreement initially envisaged the formation of an inclusive transitional government in May 2019, with the three-year transition period leading to the elaboration of a new constitution and the holding of elections. As there were delays in implementing the agreed preconditions, the parties agreed to extend the pre-transitional period up to 22 February 2020.