S. Sudan president, rebel leader trade blame for fighting

The leader of South Sudan’s armed opposition, Riek Machar, said he bears responsibility for the eruption of violence in his country and welcomed the formation of a hybrid court to try those responsible for human rights abuses and war crimes during the 21-month civil war. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and 2 million have been displaced, according to the United Nations.

“I call on the parties to immediately cease all military operations and form the Transitional Government of National Unity to which they have agreed”.

Addressing the meeting via video teleconference, President Kiir stated that he signed the agreement fully committed to return South Sudan to peace and development. “The motive behind these attacks is to dishonour the agreement in spite of our commitment as the government at all levels to implementing the peace despite our reservations, yet the rebels are carrying out attacks on the position of our forces in a clear violation of the permanent ceasefire agreement, yet nobody talks about it from the region and among the worldwide community”, he added.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses the high-level meeting on South Sudan, on the sidelines of the U.N.General Assembly in New York, on Tuesday, September 26, 2015.

The security situation in South Sudan has deteriorated steadily since political in-fighting between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and former Vice President Riek Machar, and their respective factions, erupted in December 2013.

Kiir said he will respect the peace deal: “I know there are people who doubt my commitment…” “This would have been an opportunity for me and him to work out certain aspects of what public message we would be giving to the country”, Machar said after the meeting.

The United Nations has accused both sides of crimes against civilians.

The ceasefire took effect at midnight on August 29, three days after Mr. Kiir signed the peace deal. It shattered the optimism of the global community.

The South Sudan court will use a mix of global and South Sudanese law.

He also called on Kiir to adhere to conditions of the deal in good faith, even while acknowledging his role in the war.

He added, Therefore, I am determined to stop this senseless war and make sure that, together with my brothers in the armed opposition, we will build a democratic, united and harmonious country by implementing the agreement.

But most of the dates mentioned by Mr. Kiir were before either he and Machar ordered their forces to lay down arms and observe a ceasefire. That is what we must achieve for them and that is my promise to you and to my people.