Speaking after the assisted departure of British nationals from South Sudan, Minister for Africa, James Duddridge, said:

The United Kingdom welcomes the unified and strong response from regional leaders to help end the violence in Juba and secure a ceasefire. I now call on President Kiir and First Vice-President Machar to ensure all their troops abide by this ceasefire and refrain from further violence.

This fragile peace has allowed us to assist British nationals to leave Juba and bring them to safety. But this senseless cycle of violence cannot continue. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) should be strengthened to allow it to fully protect civilians and we strongly believe an arms embargo and targeted sanctions against those responsible for the violence should be applied. Decisive action must be taken to end the suffering of the people of South Sudan. They deserve and expect nothing less.

The UK is continuing to lead in the provision of humanitarian relief to respond to immediate needs in South Sudan. Despite their leaders’ failure, we continue to stand by the South Sudanese people.