APA-Juba (South Sudan) Norway has been a steady partner for a successful political transition in South Sudan following the return to relative peace in the world’s newest country.
Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik has concluded a two-day visit to Juba during which he held talks with a range of government officials, representatives of the international community, and civil society on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Normalcy has slowly returned to South Sudan after a comprehensive peace agreement following more than six years of post-independence conflict in which thousands were killed and close to two million internally and externally displaced.
Mr. Kravik said in a statement to APA on Wednesday that Norway remains unwaveringly committed to credible and democratic elections as the best means to ensure a peaceful end to the transitional period.
He pointed out that Norway was concerned that much work still remains in order to meet the prerequisites for free, fair, and credible elections.
“In my meetings, I urged the Government to urgently address the ten points raised by the trilateral mechanism (IGAD, AU and UN) last summer” Mr Kravik was quoted as saying in the statement.
He underscored the need for progress on some key aspects fundamental to the peace agreement and the election process.
“This includes reform of the security sector with a focus on politically neutral security forces, sufficient government funding of the electoral bodies, and that the parties jointly decide on the appropriate modalities of the elections. These elements must be addressed as promptly as possible and before April to adhere to the timeline set out by the SRSG.” Mr. Kravik said.
While in South Sudan, Mr. Kravik also met civil society representatives, who underscored the need for an opening of political and civic space as the country prepares to hold elections while he underscored the importance of civic and political space in meetings with government officials.
“We also discussed other vital issues such as the importance of ensuring sufficient space for civic and political engagement and transparency in the financial sector, two issues where Norway has serious concerns regarding the current state of affairs”, Mr. Kravik said.
“The world is watching how South Sudan confronts these issues of fundamental importance for the people of this country. Norway sincerely hopes that the government will rise to the occasion and act with determination and credibility to ensure a prosperous and free South Sudan based on democracy, rule of law and human rights.” Mr. Kravik concluded.
WN/as/APA