– ‘Failure of leadership’ –
UN aid chief for South Sudan Eugene Owusu, in a ceremony on Wednesday remembering the 29 aid workers murdered in the war as well as the “many more” missing, said that “indifference amongst those in power leaves too many without hope”.
Nearly 70 percent of the country’s population is facing food shortages while nearly 200,000 terrified civilians are sheltering in UN bases.
“Fighting in South Sudan has caused immense suffering and loss for millions,” Owusu said.
Meanwhile, international anger at the standoff is growing with the United States and Britain on Tuesday pushing for UN sanctions against the government.
US National Security Advisor Susan Rice accused Kiir’s government of a “failure of leadership” and said it had “squandered” another opportunity to end a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and plunged the country into chaos.
African Union Commission chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma also condemned the setback. “Deadlock in the peace process can only spell further disaster for South Sudan and its people, with far-reaching implications for regional security and stability,” she said in a statement.
The government, which has called the proposed deal a “sellout”, says it is not possible to sign a credible peace accord because the rebel forces have split.
Powerful rebel general Peter Gadet and other key commanders earlier this month accused Machar of seeking power for himself, and said they would fight both their former comrade and the government.
South Sudan has been torn by fighting between forces loyal to Kiir and rebels allied with Machar, his former deputy, since December 2013 and the violence has exploded along ethnic lines.
“The conflict must end,” Owusu said. “We cannot and must not turn our backs on the people of South Sudan.”
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