Government says committed to resolving political issues peacefully

By Benjamin Takpiny

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc, has reassured diplomats that the government is committed to using political means to resolve political issues.

In a statement published on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Goc briefed the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of UN agencies on Wednesday about the current situation in South Sudan and the progress of implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), Goc reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), particularly the security arrangements, both in letter and spirit.

He emphasized that the government believes there is no military solution to the current issues, according to a statement on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Facebook page.

Goc provided context about the recent events in Nasir, and assured the regional and international community that the government is diligently working to maintain peace and prevent the incident from escalating to other areas of the country.

He also acknowledged the ongoing investigation involving the First Vice President, Riek Machar, the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol and other SPLM/A-IO officials regarding the events in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.

Goc said that the government would conduct the investigation transparently, adding that if sufficient evidence of culpability is found, there would be a transparent trial.

In addition, he urged the international community to support South Sudan in lifting the arms embargo currently imposed on the nation, stressing that such restrictions hinder the government’s ability to professionalize its security forces and maintain stability.

Goc emphasized that there is no reason for anyone to leave the country, assuring that there will be no war in South Sudan.