Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Situation in Jonglei state of South Sudan

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

August 26, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The United States is deeply concerned by the recent violence in South Sudan’s Jonglei state and by UN reports of hundreds of casualties and many thousands displaced. We welcome the Government of South Sudan's condemnation of the violence and the specific commitments it has made to promote security and reconciliation in Jonglei. The United States supports efforts by the Government of South Sudan to end this violence and urges it to take additional steps to protect civilians and mitigate conflict throughout South Sudan.

The United States is encouraged by the UN response—including by its Mission in South Sudan—to this outbreak of violence, and by the UN Secretary-General’s pledge to continue to assist the government in providing security and protecting civilians.

The United States calls on the communities involved to exercise restraint and reduce tensions immediately. The independence of the world’s newest country is a testament to the people of South Sudan’s long struggle, achieved after great suffering and almost unimaginable loss. While significant challenges remain for South Sudan as a newborn country, a nation born of conflict need not live in conflict.

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