The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned attacks against civilians, ethnically targeted killings, hate speech, and incitements to violence in South Sudan.

Consequently, the UNSC also called for urgent steps to address increasing hate speech and ethnic violence, and to promote reconciliation among the people, including through a process of justice and accountability.

According to a statement, the 15-member Council expressed ‘deep alarm over the escalation of ethnic violence in South Sudan reportedly carried out by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), the SPLA in Opposition, as well as militias, and unidentified armed groups.’

They underscored that the only way forward in the country is through a genuine and inclusive political process, based on the framework provided by the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ACRISS) which allows for all voices to participate in shaping the future of the country.

Stressing that that all parties must commit themselves to peace and take meaningful steps to end violence and ceasefire violations, Council members called on the parties to immediately agree on implementation of an effective cessation of hostilities in order to avoid escalation of the conflict in the upcoming dry season and reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict.

The statement further noted that the Council members agreed with Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng in that what began as a political conflict has transformed into what could become an outright ethnic war.

Mr. Dieng, along with Ellen Loj, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, had briefed the Council on the situation in South Sudan.

Further in their statement, the Council members signaled their readiness to consider taking additional measures in order to prevent a further escalation of violence and conflict, including potential sanctions that may be appropriate to respond to the situation.

They also committed to work with the African Union High Representative for South Sudan, former President Alpha Oumar Konaré, the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission former President Festus Mogae, as well as other stakeholders, in the reinvigoration of the political process and the design of a clear political strategy for the peaceful resolution of the conflict in the country.

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A spokesperson for President Salva Kiir has criticized the United States for proposing an arms embargo and sanctions on leaders of South Sudan at the United Nations Security Council.

Ateny Wek Ateny said that South Sudan is stable and there are no ethnic killings or hate speech in government controlled areas.

He also criticized reports that warned of civil war in South Sudan, saying that there are efforts by President Kiir and his first vice president Taban Deng to implement the peace agreement.

“No one has been killed on Juba or Yei road up to now because the government has put in place plans to target those who are killing innocent civilians on an ethnic basis. South Sudan is stable and we are very surprised by these reports,” Ateny Wek said.

Wek noted that South Sudan appreciates China, Russia and any country that is opposing the sanctions on South Sudan, saying the proposal will have serious implications on the country.

“We appreciate the role played by China and Russia and the African countries which are supporting the South Sudan position in the UN,” Ateny Wek said.

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South Sudan President Salva Kiir has said amnesty will not be granted to his political rival-turned rebel leader, Riek Machar, unless he denounces violence.

“My brother Riek Machar thinks the only way for him to become the president of this country is violence, killing innocent people. I told him several times [that] there is no reason to fight. If you [Machar] wants to be the president, wait for elections, but he did not listen”, Kiir said on Sunday.

The South Sudanese leader said a number of people approached him demanding that he pardons the armed opposition leader when he returns.

“They come asking me to pardon him. I tell them I have no problem with him. He is a citizen of this country and he can return anytime, but must denounce violence”, he said.

President Kiir had met Dinka elders who briefed him on their activities after they visited their counterparts from Equatoria and Nuer territories.

The president had earlier granted amnesty to 750 troops loyal to his main political rival and the country’s former First Vice-President.

Those pardoned crossed in to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo when fighting erupted in the capital, Juba in July this year.

Local media reports had quoted the South Sudanese Defence Minister Kuol Manyang saying the Juba regime was ready to welcome the armed opposition forces in refugee camps in Congo.

A team, he said, would be sent to convey the amnesty message to the rebels, whose leader declared armed resistance against Kiir.

Violence broke out in South Sudan’s capital in July when the two rival forces clashed, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

Manyang also said Machar, who is currently in South Africa, would have to denounce violence before he is allowed to return into South Sudan.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced since conflict erupted between the main rival factions in December 2013.

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