UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and President Salva Kiir, in a joint press conference during the former’s recent visit to South Sudan [UN Photo]
By Jok P. Mayom
Juba, 22 May 2014 [Gurtong] In a press statement issued on Thursday afternoon, UNMISS says recently (6th May) during a meeting between H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the President reiterated his government’s commitment to cooperate fully with UNMISS, saying he conveyed clear instructions to this effect to all security institutions and State Governors in the country.
The Mission deplores the fact that in the last weeks, “notwithstanding this commitment, some security forces and local authorities have assaulted and illegally detained two UNMISS’ staff members in Juba and despite clearances, there has been several incidents of restricted access for UNMISS patrols in Unity and other states.”
Not only have the government authorities been blamed but also the opposition forces.
"These acts are in clear violation of the mutually agreed legal framework for the UN’s work in South Sudan, the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). As per article 48 of the SOFA, the Government of South Sudan must take measures to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of UNMISS personnel," the statement partly reads.
The Mission calls on the Government of South Sudan to immediately investigate these violations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Mission also demands that all warring parties should ensure unhindered freedom of movement to the United Nations, and safety for the staff. “This is of utmost importance for the operations of the Mission.”