Germany calls for end to South Sudan conflict

By MARGARET KANINI

KENYA: The German Government has joined other countries in calling for the peaceful settlement of the South Sudan crisis.

The African Director of the German Foreign Office Egon Kochanke arrived in the country yesterday fortalks with Kenyan officials on the ongoing crisis in South Sudan.

According to United Nations, the crisis has left more than 400,000 South Sudanese displaced and over 74,000 nationals have already fled to neighbouring countries.

UN reports indicate that the on-going hostilities in many areas of the country continue to impede the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance to the affected residents.

It however said more than 200,000 people have been reached with limited humanitarian assistance so far.

Additional funds

“Given the alarming humanitarian situation in South Sudan, Germany made available additional funds for refugees and civilians who have been affected by the crisis,” said Martin Falk, the Head of Press and Cultural Affairs at the German Embassy.

Falk noted that Germany supports regional efforts  to end the conflict in South Sudan. “Germany urges all the parties in South Sudan to stop hostilities immediately and negotiate a peaceful solution to the conflict,” he said in a press statement sent to newsrooms yesterday.

Konchake, who represents the office of the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, is also expected to meet Rouf Mazou, the UNCHR representative in Kenya, to discuss the challenges of the growing numbers of refugees from South Sudan in Kenya.