RADIO MIRAYA
The Dutch Embassy in Juba has, in a release, reaffirmed continued assistance to the people of South Sudan, in view of the humanitarian situation prevailing in the country.
“The release was issued to assure the people that we stand by them, and that we stand ready to support any development in the implementation of the Peace Agreement,” Ambassador Robert Van Den Dool told Radio Miraya in an exclusive interview.
“We are of the opinion that implementation of the August 2015 Agreement is the only sustainable way to peace, stability and prosperity in the country,” he said, stressing that all efforts of parties to the Agreement should aim at the singular goal of its implementation to bring stability to the country.
The Dutch envoy said the economic challenges facing South Sudan are enormous and will not be met without peace and stability. He said it was for this reason that the Netherlands and other partners have all along supported efforts towards a mechanism for effective implementation of the Agreement in its entirety.
The Ambassador said the Kingdom of The Netherlands was also helping to develop the requisite infrastructure for utilities and services.
“We have continued efforts to help the Government provide safe water for the people, and to improve food security in some areas of the country,” he said. He noted, though, that given the scale of suffering in South Sudan it is hard keeping pace with the demand for assistance.
“We assist to the extent that we can,” the Ambassador quipped. He further observed that with human suffering now on a global scale, donors increasingly have to spread out assistance.
“For the past two years we have increased our assistance to South Sudan substantially,” he affirmed nonetheless, adding “we believe that food, shelter and basic social services for the people will also help stability in the country.”
Concerning recent twists in the unrest in the country, he declined any comment on the replacement of the First Vice President in the Government of National Unity.
“What we’re saying to all the parties is that they should find a solution to all their differences, because they have to work toward one priority and one priority only: the joint implementation of the Peace Agreement,” he declared.