[wanabidii] Africa: United States Condemns Seizure of UN Barge by Opposition Forces in South Sudan

You are subscribed to Africa for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Africa: United States Condemns Seizure of UN Barge by Opposition Forces in South Sudan 10/30/2015 06:20 PM EDT United States Condemns Seizure of UN Barge by Opposition Forces in South Sudan Press Statement John Kirby Department Spokesperson Washington, DC October 30, 2015 The United States is deeply concerned by the confirmed reports that the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in-Opposition (SPLA/IO) forces on October 26 detained a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) barge that was traveling on the Nile River to resupply the UN base in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state. We call on the SPLA/IO to immediately release all support staff who remain in detention and to return any seized equipment. Attacks against peacekeepers and other UN staff could constitute war crimes and can lead to sanctions under UN Security Resolution 2206. We are additionally troubled by the provocative nature of this action at a time when both government and opposition forces should be respecting the ceasefire and working jointly to implement the peace agreement. More generally, we are deeply concerned by reports of fighting by both the opposition and the government in the state of Unity, where the humanitarian crisis has worsened in recent months with some 30,000 people in the State facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity and the likelihood of famine occurring in South Sudan if urgent assistance is not provided. We call on both sides to adhere immediately to the ceasefire and to allow for free and unfettered access by UN and humanitarian personnel, so that they are able to reach populations in need. The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Stay connected with the State Department:   External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of State. This email was sent to wanabidii@googlegroups.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520

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