Minister Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc of South Sudan highlighted the nation’s progress towards peace, despite challenges posed by resource scarcity, sanctions, and external conflicts. He emphasized international support for the electoral process and called for climate action and the inclusion of women and youth in policymaking, while advocating for reforms in the Security Council to reflect Africa’s concerns.
Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan, recently addressed the international community regarding the ongoing challenges and progress in South Sudan’s pursuit of lasting peace and political stability. He acknowledged the progress made thus far but emphasized that a lack of resources continues to hinder the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Minister Goc highlighted the commitment of all parties to the peace agreement, evident from their recent consensus to extend the general elections by an additional 24 months. This extension aims to provide vital security sector mechanisms, as well as elections-related institutions, with the necessary time to ensure they can effectively fulfill their mandates. He urged the international community to bolster support for this newly established roadmap toward a peaceful transition in South Sudan, emphasizing the importance of both financial and technical assistance in this critical process. Additionally, he underscored the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in over 800,000 refugees fleeing to South Sudan. He called for global efforts to increase support for Sudan and work towards resolving its conflict. Regarding climate change, Minister Goc stressed the dire consequences it has on Sudan and the greater African continent, advocating for increased adaptation efforts. He urged developed nations to take decisive leadership roles by enhancing their financial commitments necessary for global mitigation and adaptation initiatives. He identified key objectives for his government, including the inclusion of women and youth, the provision of universal and affordable healthcare, and the transformation of educational systems. Despite these initiatives, he expressed concern over the ongoing sanctions and arms embargo imposed by the Security Council, calling these measures significant obstacles to achieving sustainable peace and security. “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,” Minister Goc stated. He also advocated for reforms within the Security Council, proposing that the Council expand to better reflect Africa’s concerns and adapt to current global dynamics.
The statement by Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc comes amid ongoing efforts in South Sudan to stabilize the nation following years of conflict. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict was established to address the underlying issues that have contributed to the turmoil in the country. Minister Goc’s remarks highlight both the achievements in establishing peace as well as the significant challenges still faced, including resource limitations and external pressures from sanctions. The ongoing conflict in Sudan further complicates the stability of South Sudan, as it has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with many refugees entering the country. Climate change also poses a growing challenge, requiring both local and global mitigation and adaptation strategies.
In conclusion, Minister Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc’s statement underscores the resilience and commitment of South Sudan towards achieving lasting peace and stability despite significant challenges. His appeals for international support and reform of existing sanctions reflect a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of regional stability, humanitarian needs, and the urgent crises posed by climate change. The call for enhanced cooperation and financial assistance is critical for fulfilling the objectives outlined in the peace agreement as South Sudan continues to navigate its path toward a more secure future.
Original Source: gadebate.un.org
