Foreign Minister Brende concerned about South Sudan peace talks

‘I am very concerned about the latest setback in the South Sudan peace talks. I urge both parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

The parties to the conflict started new peace talks on Monday, overseen by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and supported by the Troika countries (Norway, the UK and the US). The talks also included representatives of civil society, other political parties and religious leaders. On Tuesday evening, the rebel group SPLM-IO, led by Riek Machar, withdrew from the negotiations, saying that they did not want any participants other than themselves and the Government to be involved.

‘These negotiations are intended to resolve the very serious conflict in South Sudan. The actions of Riek Machar and his group amount to a rejection of the clear position taken not only by IGAD but by the international community as a whole and the arrangements that have been made for the negotiations,’ said Mr Brende.

‘We condemn Riek Machar’s decision, and are also disappointed by the South Sudanese Government’s response. The people of South Sudan deserve better. The hostilities and the threat of famine make it essential for all parties to behave responsibly. Riek Machar will bear a large share of the responsibility if the talks break down altogether, and the international community will have to consider what the consequences should be for him and the rebel group he leads,’ said Mr Brende.