African leaders demand immediate end to South Sudan violence
In response to the Letter from African Leaders to Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, Oxfam International’s Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said:
“This letter, signed by 14 eminent African leaders, 12 of them former heads of state and government, shows that leaders of this continent are no longer prepared to sit by and watch the humanitarian catastrophe continue to unfold in South Sudan. In the letter, these leaders say it is unconscionable that Salva Kiir and Riek Machar could allow the unravelling of the very unity and optimism that prevailed when South Sudan gained its independence almost three years ago, rather than shepherding their young nation to peace, prosperity and stability.
"The letter was delivered to Salva Kiir and Riek Machar ahead of their meeting today, where they are expected to evaluate the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement and agree on a path forward out of this current bloody conflict. In no ambiguous terms, it demands an immediate end to the violence and calls on them to act as great leaders should – in the interests of their people.
“The continent’s leaders have spoken out against what is happening in South Sudan today, and they cannot be ignored.”
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A Message of Peace from Eminent African Leaders