On the Violence along the Sudan-South Sudan Border

Press Statement
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
March 1, 2012

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The United States is alarmed over reports of aerial bombardments by the Sudan Armed Forces inside South Sudan. Such incidents are unacceptable and threaten to escalate tensions between the two states. Additionally, continued aerial attacks on civilian targets by the Sudan Armed Forces are deplorable and constitute violations of international law for which there must be accountability. We demand that the Government of Sudan end these aerial bombardments and immediately allow humanitarian access to civilians in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.

The United States urges all parties to exercise restraint. Sudan and South Sudan are drifting toward greater conflict and away from the promises of peace and collaboration to which each committed in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. An end to the violence in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile is critical to establishing peace both within Sudan and between Sudan and South Sudan.

The United States continues to stress to the Government of South Sudan the need to respect the sovereignty of Sudan and immediately end any military support for Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North rebels. The actions of both parties are inflaming conflict, fuelling mistrust, and imperiling the efforts of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel to facilitate agreements between the parties on outstanding Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues.

ENDS

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