By Lodu William Odiya
United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and development in South Sudan.
This revelation, in a statement released on Thursday, followed a recent visit by Clare Staunton, the UK’s Special Representative to South Sudan.
Staunton’s visit coincides with a critical moment of spiraling armed clashes, resulting to casualties and mass displacement of civilians in various parts of the country.
These challenges are further exacerbated by climate change and the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
During her visit, Special Representative Staunton met with government officials, representatives from various parties, civil society members, and international partners.
They discussed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of political detainees, and a return to dialogue.
“Dialogue is the only way to move beyond the political deadlock,” the statement emphasized.
Staunton reiterated the UK’s support for the “critical role” of the Troika, IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations in their combined efforts to facilitate peace and stability in South Sudan.
“We hope our voice will contribute to mounting international pressure on South Sudan’s leadership to engage in dialogue,” she stated.
Reaffirming the UK’s long-standing humanitarian and development assistance to South Sudan, Staunton noted that the UK has provided over $2.5 billion in aid since the country’s independence.
She highlighted various funded programs that support essential health services, education, and humanitarian responses, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
“I am proud to think that there are girls who have gone to school and children who have been vaccinated because of the UK’s work here in South Sudan,” she stated.