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Explanation of Vote at the Adoption of Resolution 2206 on South Sudan

U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Samantha Power
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
New York, NY
March 3, 2015

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Mr. President. For the past fourteen months, the United States has supported the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, IGAD, and the region, in their efforts to facilitate talks between the warring parties in South Sudan to reach a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement, and to establish a transitional government to oversee a process of reform that addresses the root causes of this conflict. While various papers have been signed, partial agreements entered into, promises made, assurances delivered, the situation has only worsened for the people of the UN's newest country. The aspirations of the South Sudanese people have time and again been thwarted. Instead of pursuing the well-being of their people, a variety of individuals have chosen to place their own narrow political interests first, rather than making the compromises necessary to get to peace.

Today's resolution supports IGAD's mediation efforts by laying the framework for targeted sanctions. Under the terms of this resolution, the parties must meet IGAD's deadlines for the resolution of all outstanding issues of this conflict and to begin the process of establishing a Transitional Government of National Unity. The consequences for not doing so could include the designation of senior individuals for asset freezes and travel bans, or the imposition of an arms embargo. Having this resolution in place – with realistic deadlines based on IGAD's milestones for resolving the crisis – we hope will improve IGAD's chances of success in reaching a credible and sustainable peace. We are enhancing IGAD's leverage in the negotiations by sending a very clear signal to those who continue to choose war over peace: you will be held to account, now, as we urge you to compromise to reach an agreement, and later, when you are considering whether to follow through on its terms.

Now some have asked, why vote this resolution now when IGAD is in the midst of another important negotiating round and when an agreement may well be around the corner. The answer is that the parties need to know not only that they will be held to account if they fail to compromise to reach agreement, but also that they would be held accountable on the back end if they do again, as they have done so many times before, which is failing to implement that to which they have signed.

Today, because of this conflict, two and a half million people urgently need help with food; more than two million people have been displaced internally and as refugees by the violence. UNMISS – the UN mission that originally deployed to support the world's newest state – is now itself providing safe shelter to more than 100,000 internally displaced people seeking refuge from violence perpetrated by the government and the armed groups that oppose it. Rape and killing has become rampant. And just a few weeks ago, we heard about the kidnapping of hundreds of young boys in Malakal by armed groups intending to use them as child soldiers. Today in South Sudan, quite literally, a young generation's future is being held ransom by political actors who – despite all costs – refuse to compromise. This cannot continue, and those who frustrate peace must begin to pay the price. That is why today's action by this Council is so important. Thank you.

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