The Foreign Secretary spoke yesterday evening to Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros, who is leading efforts by regional leaders to find a political resolution to the crisis in South Sudan. FCO Political Director Sir Simon Gass has arrived in Juba today to support the political process. He will be working closely with Norwegian and US envoys who are also in Juba. The United Nations Security Council will vote later today on a resolution to significantly increase the force strength of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to improve its capability to provide protection to civilians.

The Foreign Secretary said:

The situation in South Sudan is deteriorating. I am extremely concerned by reports of increasing violence along ethnic lines. The targeting of civilians is unacceptable, as are threats against UN peacekeepers trying to protect them. I call on all South Sudanese leaders to restrain their supporters and resolve political differences peacefully.

I spoke to the Ethiopian Foreign Minister yesterday to convey the UK’s full support for regional and African Union efforts at mediation. The UK is calling for a Security Council Resolution this afternoon that will ensure the United Nations Mission in South Sudan can swiftly receive the reinforcements it needs.

South Sudan was a country born amid hopes of increased peace and prosperity for its people. The gains made over the past two years should not be thrown away.

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