Mr. President,
First of all, I would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Ms. Martha Pobee, for her comments, as well as General George Aggrey Owino and Murithi Mutiga for their briefings.
As we have just heard, the situation in South Sudan remains very precarious due to a cumulation of internal and external factors. I would like to emphasize four points.
Firstly, the peace agreement remains the only political framework providing prospects for peaceful development in the country. Any measures contrary to the revitalized agreement only serve to fuel tensions. In this regard, we take note of the repeated calls by the African Union for the cessation of hostilities and the release of First Vice President Riek Machar, which we echo.
France notes the efforts of the South Sudanese transitional government to modernize its financial system and administration. However, the most significant progress in the implementation of the revitalized agreement has yet to be achieved. The deployment of the necessary Unified Forces is a priority, as is the drafting of a constitution. The goal remains to prepare for free, fair, and transparent elections that would enable the political transition promised to the South Sudanese people.
Secondly, France calls for full respect for the arms embargo, which was renewed by this Council last May. South Sudan is located in a region affected by numerous crises that are exacerbating its own security situation, in particular the conflict in neighboring Sudan. France calls upon all States to act in accordance with the objectives of the revitalized agreement and to refrain from any action that would contribute to fueling tensions in the country or to fueling fighting in Sudan from South Sudan.
Mr. President,
Thirdly, France reiterates its support for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and for the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Nicholas Haysom. Barriers to the freedom of movement of his troops are increasing, in violation of the status-of-forces agreement, and are hindering the implementation of his mandate. All South Sudanese stakeholders must cooperate with UNMISS, which plays a key role in the stability of the country and its people.
Finally, the international community must continue to support the people of South Sudan, who are facing forced displacement, violence, flooding, food insecurity, and epidemics. France condemns the repeated attacks against humanitarian personnel, who must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access to people in need must be guaranteed.
Thank you.