South Sudan: Signing of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement

Nonviolent Peaceforce congratulates the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (in opposition) for having made this first, formal commitment towards ending the violent conflict that has gripped the country since December 15th.

This important milestone gives hope to the more than half a million people who have been directly affected by this terrible violence. While this is an encouraging sign, the reality of peace is that it is complicated – far more complicated than war. Thousands have been killed, injured and have lost loved ones. Bringing the scope and scale of the violence to an end will take patience, courage and a longterm commitment by all parties to achieve this difficult task. We are encouraged to see specific language in the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, about the protection of civilians and humanitarian access.

We encourage all parties to take courage in laying down their weapons while engaging in the much more difficult task of making peace through nonviolent means. For the people of South Sudan, every moment waiting for the implementation of this and forthcoming agreements that will protect them and help them to return home, count as they struggle to survive the harsh reality of war.

NP encourages members of the international humanitarian, diplomatic and donor community to return to South Sudan at this critical juncture to implement robust humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and ultimately peace building programs for those who continue to struggle for their lives and to build the confidence of the men, women, boys and girls who did not choose this violent conflict, that a peaceful future is possible.

NP remains committed to supporting the people of South Sudan, the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities agreement and the ongoing substantive peace process.

Link to agreement can be found here:
http://bit.ly/1jrY9iM