South Sudan’s Path to Peace: Minister Goc Calls for International Support and Security Council Reforms

Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, South Sudan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, highlighted the country’s progress toward peace while addressing resource challenges that hinder the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement. He called for international financial and technical support, emphasized the impact of the Sudan conflict, and urged action against climate change. Goc also denounced Security Council sanctions and advocated for council reform to better represent African interests.

Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in South Sudan’s Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, reported notable advancements in the nation’s pursuit of sustained peace and political stability. However, he expressed concerns regarding the shortage of resources, which remains a significant barrier to fully implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict. Notably, all involved parties are dedicated to bolstering the progress thus far, as indicated by the recent consensus to prolong the general elections by 24 months. This extension is aimed at allowing security sector mechanisms and institutions related to the elections additional time to accomplish their responsibilities. In light of this situation, Goc appealed to the international community, urging that “this new road map for a peaceful transition in South Sudan is met by availing the required financial and technical support for the process.” He also brought attention to the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict in Sudan, noting that over 800,000 refugees had sought refuge in South Sudan, calling for increased global support for the resolution of the Sudanese conflict. Furthermore, Goc articulated the adverse effects of climate change on Sudan and the broader African continent, advocating for heightened global adaptation efforts. He urged developed nations to demonstrate robust leadership and enhance their financial contributions to address global mitigation and adaptation needs, emphasizing that trillions of dollars are necessary to manage this crisis effectively and restore faith in multilateral systems. The South Sudanese government prioritizes the inclusion of women and youth, healthcare accessibility, and educational reform as pivotal objectives. Goc lamented the ongoing sanctions and arms embargo enforced by the Security Council on South Sudan, despite calls from both the nation and the African Union for their removal. He characterized these measures as barriers to achieving sustainable peace and security in South Sudan, asserting that “as a country, we have experienced relative peace and stability for the last six years.” In conclusion, he advocated for reforms within the Security Council to better align its operations with contemporary global dynamics and to adequately represent African interests.

The context of this statement revolves around South Sudan’s ongoing struggle for stability following years of conflict. Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced numerous challenges, including civil war, economic woes, and humanitarian crises, leading to a significant refugee influx and demands for political reform. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan aims to address these issues and promote peace, but resource limitations have hindered progress. The recent extension of the general elections demonstrates a commitment to deeper reforms and security improvements. Additionally, the call for international support underscores the importance of global engagement in stabilizing the region and addressing broader issues such as climate change and humanitarian assistance.

In summary, Minister Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc highlighted South Sudan’s progress toward peace despite facing substantial resource challenges. He called for international support in extending the peace process and emphasized the need for global cooperation in addressing pressing issues like the Sudanese refugee crisis and climate change. Moreover, he advocated for the lifting of Security Council sanctions and proposed reforms to improve the representation of African nations in global decision-making, reconciling recent advancements with the necessity of ongoing support and adaptation to current challenges.

Original Source: gadebate.un.org