Germany reiterates support for South Sudan as country marks 30 years of reunification

JUBA – German ambassador to South Sudan, Amb. Manuel Müller, has reiterated his country’s support for the people of South Sudan in a statement marking the 30th anniversary of Germany’s reunification.

Germany, now a country of over 83 million people, was divided into West and East Germany  – Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, respectively – in 1945 as consequent of World War II.

After almost five decades of division, Germany was officially reunited on October 3, 1990, under the guidance of then-Chancellor Helmut Kohl, and that was less than a year after the Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989.

The day is now commemorated as German Unity Day.

In a statement marking this important event, Mr. Müller, reiterated his country’s support for the people of South Sudan. He also said the European country will continue to support the peace process through the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“German support to South Sudan started in the early 1970s. As a longstanding partner of the people of South Sudan, we will continue our support to the peace process and will stay engaged in humanitarian assistance to the people of South Sudan to keep up the people’s belief and faith in a prosperous future,” the German diplomat said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

“We strongly believe that with their own capacities and our support together it will have an impact: such as water management in local areas by the community, public sanitation or combating food insecurity for the most vulnerable people like woman, children and IDPs with small-scale farming projects and access to markets in multiple projects all over the country. German support to South Sudanese cultural activities like film, dance and music aims at strengthening the rich South Sudanese cultural diversity as part of a nation-building process which focuses on national identity in diversity,” he added.

While expressing support for UNMISS at the United Nations Security Council, Müller urged the authorities in the world’s youngest country to allow the world mission free movement to carry out its mandate which is also aimed to help consolidate peace in the war-torn country.

“Germany will also continue to support peace and security through the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). For many years, Germany has been actively contributing to UNMISS financially and through German military observers and staff officers deployed to Juba and to the field,” Müller  said.

“Also in our capacity as current member of the Security Council of the United Nations, we fully support the important work of UNMISS with regard to peace and security in South Sudan as well as the important task of the Mission to protect civilians. The United Nations are giving great support to South Sudan and therefore it is of utmost importance that free movement of the whole UN,including UNMISS, is fully guaranteed within the entire country,” he said.

It further stressed that the call for free movement of UN staff also “applies to all humanitarian actors. Without them, a large number of people in South Sudan would not be reached.It is very sad to see that humanitarian actors, who dedicated their life to help South Sudanese people, lost their life while being on duty.”