The South African Government would like to express its condemnation of the alleged attempted coup in South Sudan on 15 December 2013. The South African Government learnt with shock and dismay of the alleged attempt, by disgruntled soldiers, to overthrow by violent means the Government of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
South Africa firmly believes that respect for democracy and human rights are essential to the governance of all African countries and that all violent means to overthrow legitimate governments must be rejected, in line with decisions adopted by the African Union and the United Nations.
South Sudan is still in the process of unification, reconciliation and nation building, while it simultaneously seeks to develop the country's government structures and institutions after its independence in 2011. It is therefore highly unfortunate that an attempt was allegedly made to undermine the stability of the country.
South Africa also expresses its sincere condolences to the Government and people of South Sudan and especially to the families of those killed and injured in this unfortunate incident.
The South African Government also calls on the Government of South Sudan and those opposing it to exercise restraint, enter into dialogue to seek peaceful resolution of their differences and to avert any further escalation of the tension in the country.
For further information:
Clayson Monyela
Spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation
Cell: 082 884 5974
