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Russia Supports African Union's Steps to Stabilize South Sudan

09:58, 2 March 2024

CC BY 2.0 / European External Action /

Christina Glazkova

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The world's youngest country, South Sudan, has been troubled by a political and security crisis almost since its creation, after violence erupted in the capital Juba in December 2013, after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar and 10 others of attempting a coup.

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Russia supports international steps to stabilize the situation in South Sudan, including mediation efforts by the African Union (AU), as stated by the Russian delegation participating in Geneva at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC).

"We support international steps to stabilize the situation in the country, strengthen peace and security, including the mediation efforts of the African Union," said Ilya Barmin, a representative of the Russian delegation at the meeting.

He also drew attention to the extension of the transition period until February 2025 as part of the updated peace agreement for South Sudan and the adoption of a roadmap.

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Furthermore, the diplomat noted that Russia welcomes the successes of the South Sudanese leadership in creating state governments, forming chambers of a transitional parliament, working on a draft constitution, and establishing the National Human Rights Council.

"[Russia believes that] improving the human rights situation in South Sudan will be possible after the final resolution of the internal conflict, full implementation of the provisions of the updated peace agreement, the formation of effective law enforcement agencies and the judicial system, as well as the disarmament of the civilian population, demobilization and social reintegration of ex-combatants," the representative stated.

However, Moscow "categorically rejects the use of international platforms, including the Human Rights Council, to exert political pressure" on South Sudan, Barmin added.

"We urge you to build further interaction with South Sudan on the basis of respect for its state interests, as well as taking into account national, historical, religious and cultural characteristics," he said.

In 2013, a conflict erupted between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar, who was accused of plotting a coup.

Although the crisis stemmed from a power struggle within the ruling party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, it has evolved to include ethnic tensions between the country's two main ethnic groups: Dinka and Nuer. Both sides of the conflict are accused of committing crimes, including ethnic cleansing and targeted killings, according to Adama Dieng, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide.

In 2018, the UN imposed punitive measures on South Sudan, such as asset freezes, travel bans, and an arms embargo.

In the same year, following multiple unsuccessful ceasefires, the opponents agreed to a peace deal. The transitional government pledged to organize and send out combined troops consisting of 83,000 people, including police, wildlife, intelligence, and military personnel.

In May 2023, the UN sanctions were extended for an additional year. Russia has consistently opposed this move.