Members of the African Union Peace and Security Council visited Malakal to better understand the current security situation.

Speaking during the visit, the head of the delegation, Ambassador Catherine Muigai Mwangi   of Kenya said that the responsibility of the council is to engage with African countries that are currently experiencing crisis and unrest.

Ms. Mwangi further explained, “We have been following what is going on in South Sudan and we felt that instead of getting second hand information we would visit for ourselves to get a clear picture of the situation.”

Ambassador Mwangi said that they have chosen to visit Malakal as an example of the current strife in order to collect sufficient information for their final report.  She further explained, “We also felt that juba alone was not sufficient for us to get all of the information we needed and therefore, we have decided to visit one of the regions, and have chosen Malakal.”  

Ambassador Mwangi stressed that the implementation of the current Peace Agreement is solely the responsibility of South Sudan, not the international Community. She further explained that the role of the AU is one of support, to enable the government authorities and the people of South Sudan to work towards achieving sustainable peace in the country.

“All we can do as the African Union, or IGAD, or the International Community, is to encourage and support the authorities and the people of South Sudan. I think the South Sudanese must take the responsibility of carrying out the Peace Agreement. If the South Sudanese do not take ownership of it, then no one can implement it.” Said Mwangi