What's In Blue

Posted Fri 6 Jan 2012

South Sudan Draft Press Statement

Following consultations on South Sudan yesterday (5 January), it seems that Council members are negotiating a press statement, circulated by the US, addressing the recent inter-communal violence in Jonglei state in South Sudan. At press time it was unclear when the statement might be released.

Council members were briefed by Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, in consultations yesterday. The focus of the discussion appears to have been the attacks in Lukangole and Pibor, which were carried out by armed youth from the Lou Nuer ethnic group targeting the Murle community. During the consultations, it seems some Council members expressed concern about the large quantity and sophistication of the weapons used in the attacks.

It also appears that some members believed the government of South Sudan had done a good job in addressing the violence, while others seemed to be of the opinion that the government could be more proactive—and less reactive—in coping with inter-communal tensions.

Sign up for What's In Blue emails

Subscribe to receive SCR publications