The United Nations’ High Representative for South Sudan, Alfa Oumar Konare, has raised an alarm before President Muhammadu Buhari over the deepening political crisis in South Sudan in spite of the past peace agreements.
The UN representative, who paid a courtesy visit on President Buhari today at the Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja, expressed concern that the continuing political dispute in South Sudan could deteriorate further if left unresolved.
According to him, the escalation of the crisis could also worsen the humanitarian crisis in the country with negative consequences for neighbouring countries.
“What we have before us is a very complicated situation and I am concerned that unless the parties start implementing the various agreements for peace, the crisis will deepen,’’ he told President Buhari.
Responding, President Buhari promised that Nigeria will continue to work in close collaboration with the African Union and the international community for the achievement of reconciliation and lasting peace in South Sudan.
He advised the government of South Sudan and other political factions in the country to start implementing the various peace agreements reached under the auspices of the United Nations, the African Union and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development in Eastern Africa (IGAD) .
The President stressed that compliance with the agreements by all parties to the dispute in South Sudan is an essential first step towards returning the country to the path of peace, stability and development.
President Buhari also received the Coordinator of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors Council, Baroness Lynda Chalker in audience, during which time he assured her that his administration will welcome useful suggestions from local and international entrepreneurs on ways of accelerating the pace of economic development in Nigeria. [myad]
