Addis Ababa, 30 April 2016: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, welcomes the appointment, by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, of the Ministers of the Transitional Government of National Unity, in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan of 17 August 2015.
The Chairperson hails this major step, which will greatly facilitate the process of tackling the challenges facing the country. The horrendous war that raged in the country for over two and half years has brought about the destruction of the infant economy, social and political paralysis, as well as a dire humanitarian situation. With the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity, South Sudan enters the most critical phase in the implementation of the Peace Agreement, in which the consolidation of peace and reconciliation, as well as the undertaking of post-conflict reconstruction and economic recovery in the country, need to be given top priority. In this respect, the Chairperson calls upon all AU Member States to provide the necessary support for this demanding endeavor.
The Chairperson underscores the role of the international community, as a whole, in mobilizing the necessary resources for supporting South Sudan as it opens a new chapter in its history and seeks to rebuild itself.
The Chairperson expresses her profound appreciation for the facilitation role being played by the AU High Representative for South Sudan, former President Alpha Oumar Konare, and the Chair of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commisison, former President Festus Mogae, in support of the efforts of the South Sudanese stakeholders. She reiterates her gratitude to the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for their contributions and support.
Finally, the Chairperson reiterates AU’s commitment to continue to do everything possible to support the South Sudanese parties and stakeholders as they strive to end the bitter legacy of the war and achieve lasting peace, reconciliation and economic recovery in their country