UNITED NATIONS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday welcomed the announcement of the cabinet of South Sudan's transitional government of national unity, said his spokesman.
Guterres commended the spirit of compromise and collaboration displayed by the parties which led to this important development, said Spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a statement.
Guterres encouraged the South Sudanese parties and their leaders to make additional efforts to meet the 35 percent quota for the representation of women throughout the peace process, said the statement.
The UN chief called on the leaders of South Sudan to prioritize the implementation of transitional security arrangements, step up efforts to address inter-communal violence, fight impunity and focus on the delivery of essential services, it said.
Guterres reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to assist the parties in implementing the 2018 peace agreement, in close coordination with the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development and the African Union, said the statement.
South Sudan descended into conflict in December 2013, after President Salva Kiir sacked his deputy Machar, who later founded the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), leading to fights between soldiers loyal to their leaders.
After years of civil war, the youngest country in Africa formed a transitional unity government on Feb. 22, 2020, when Machar was sworn in as the first vice president.
President Kiir on Thursday evening named 35 cabinet ministers, nine of whom belong to the SPLM-IO.
