The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the
escalation of fighting in Juba, South Sudan that started on July 7. The
members of the Security Council expressed particular shock and outrage at
the attacks on UN compounds and protection of civilians sites in Juba. The
members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms all
attacks and provocations against civilians and the United Nations. They
emphasized the need for United Nations protection of civilians sites and
United Nations personnel to remain secure. They expressed their sympathies
and condolences to the families of Chinese and Rwandan peacekeepers who
were killed or injured in the attacks.
The members of the Security Council urged an immediate end to the fighting
by all concerned and demanded that President Kiir and First Vice President
Machar do their utmost to control their respective forces, urgently end
the fighting and prevent the spread of violence, and genuinely commit
themselves to the full and immediate implementation of the peace
agreement, including the permanent ceasefire and redeployment of military
forces from Juba.
The members of the Security Council reminded all parties, including
government security forces, of the civilian character of the protection of
civilian sites in South Sudan. The members of the Security Council
stressed that attacks against civilians and UN premises and personnel may
constitute war crimes, and they emphasized the importance of transparent
investigations into these crimes and that those involved must be held
accountable and could be potentially subject to sanctions as authorized
under resolution 2206 (2015) for actions that threaten the peace, security
or stability of South Sudan.
The members of the Security Council encouraged countries in the region,
the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Inter-Governmental
Authority on Development, to continue firmly engaging with South Sudanese
leaders to address the crisis.
The members of the Security Council expressed their support for the United
Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). The members of
the Security Council expressed their readiness to consider enhancing
UNMISS to better ensure that UNMISS and the international community can
prevent and respond to violence in South Sudan. The members of the
Security Council encouraged states in the region to prepare to provide
additional troops in the event the Council so decides. In the interim, the
members of the Security Council stressed the need for UNMISS to make full
use of its authority to use all necessary means to protect civilians.