South Sudan: UN ready to work with new Cabinet to advance peace, development effort

1 August 2013 – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said today it stands ready to work with the new Cabinet to tackle the host of challenges facing the world’s youngest nation.

South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, yesterday announced a new smaller Cabinet after he dismissed the previous team last week.

“The installation of the new, leaner and restructured Cabinet offers the Government a new opportunity to deliver on key priorities for the country,” UNMISS said in a press statement.

It added that UNMISS stands ready to work closely with the new Cabinet, once it has been sworn in, to advance the country’s reform agenda, including combating corruption, transforming the security sector and providing essential services to the people.

“We look forward to working with the new Cabinet on protecting civilians, and strengthening core state institutions, as well as political milestones related to constitutional review and the holding of free and fair national elections.”

In addition, the Mission urged the new Cabinet to do its utmost to forge national unity and solidarity and respect the rights of all citizens of South Sudan.

UNMISS was established by the Security Council after the country gained independence from Sudan in July 2011. It is on the ground to consolidate peace and security and to help establish conditions for development.

UN News