The Minister for Foreign Affairs of South Sudan, Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, addressed the challenges of achieving lasting peace in his country, emphasizing resource scarcity, the need for international support, and the humanitarian impact of the Sudan conflict. He highlighted key objectives for his government, including the inclusion of women and youth, healthcare access, and education reform, while also advocating for the lifting of Security Council sanctions and reforms that better represent African concerns.
Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan, addressed the ongoing challenges and achievements in establishing lasting peace and political stability in his nation. He acknowledged the resource constraints that hinder the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. However, he emphasized the commitment of all parties involved in the peace accord to secure the progress made, noted in the recent decision to extend general elections by 24 months. This extension aims to allow sufficient time for essential security sector mechanisms and elections-related institutions to meet their responsibilities adequately. Minister Goc appealed to the international community for financial and technical assistance, stating the importance of supporting this newly outlined path toward a peaceful transition in South Sudan. He expressed concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in over 800,000 refugees spilling into South Sudan. To address this, he called for increased international support for Sudan, alongside efforts to resolve its ongoing conflict. In his remarks, Goc also highlighted the adverse effects of climate change on Sudan and the broader African continent. He urged developed nations to take a proactive stance in financing global mitigation and adaptation strategies, asserting that trillions of dollars are required yearly to effectively combat climate change and restore credibility in multilateral cooperation. Furthermore, he identified key objectives for his government as the inclusion of women and youth, the provision of universal and affordable healthcare, and the reform of education systems. Despite the progress, he criticized the continued sanctions and arms embargoes imposed by the Security Council, describing them as significant barriers to achieving sustainable peace and security in South Sudan. “As a country, we have experienced relative peace and stability for the last six years, and the continued imposition of these punitive measures is not reflective of the progress we have made so far,” he articulated. He concluded his address by advocating for reforms within the Security Council to better reflect the realities and dynamics of today’s global landscape, particularly in accommodating the concerns of African nations.
The speech given by Minister Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc represents the ongoing efforts and complexities associated with fostering peace and stability in South Sudan, a nation that has endured significant conflict and challenges since its independence. The Revitalized Agreement signifies a framework aimed at resolving conflicts and establishing governance structures that can lead to sustainable development. The call for international support underscores the dependency of South Sudan on external resources and cooperation to fully realize its objectives. The humanitarian crisis induced by neighboring Sudan’s conflict highlights South Sudan’s role as a refuge and the broader implications of regional instability. The focus on climate change adaptation ties into a growing awareness about environmental impacts, which are exacerbating socio-economic issues across the continent. Furthermore, the emphasis on reforming the Security Council resonates with broader calls for a more equitable representation of African interests within global governance structures.
In summary, Minister Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc articulated the progress and continuing challenges faced by South Sudan as it navigates its path toward lasting peace and political stability. He stressed the need for international aid and highlighted the humanitarian crises stemming from regional conflicts, as well as the urgent call for effective responses to climate change. Goc’s emphasis on reforming international governance structures to better represent African nations reflects a broader desire for a more inclusive approach to global issues. South Sudan’s journey towards peace hinges on sustained commitment from both national stakeholders and the international community.
Original Source: gadebate.un.org
