WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released this statement on the failure to form a transitional government in South Sudan:

“The formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity, which was to be completed by January 22, could have been a critical point in the history of South Sudan.  However, the failure to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace is further evidence that President Kiir and former Vice President Machar continue to place their personal interests above the well-being of their citizens.  This lack of progress towards implementation of the peace agreement signed in August comes at a time when almost 200,000 people continue to be sheltered by the United Nations’ protection of civilians sites, and one in every five people have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict began in December 2013.  I urge the parties to the peace agreement to cease finding roadblocks to peace and instead work towards a political solution to this senseless conflict.” 

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