The Secretary-General met today with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Kigali. The Secretary-General commended President Kagame for his leadership and the progress made in Rwanda, as well as for hosting the African Union Summit. He expressed appreciation for Rwanda's contribution to United Nations peacekeeping, including in the Central African Republic, Darfur, Sudan, and South Sudan.

The Secretary-General and President Kagame expressed deep concern at the recent escalation of violence in South Sudan, its impact on the civilian population and consequences for the peace process. They called on the South Sudanese leadership to demonstrate the commitment required to bring to an end the tragedy unfolding in their country and fulfill their people’s aspirations to peace, security and reconciliation.

The Secretary-General and the President agreed on the need and urgency of renewed international engagement to advance the quest for peace in South Sudan. The role of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), including within the framework of the AU High-Level ad hoc Committee on South Sudan, of which Rwanda is a member, was stressed. The Secretary-General seized the opportunity to recall the recommendations he made to the Security Council, including an arms embargo, targeted sanctions, and strengthening the capacity of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The Secretary-General and the President also exchanged views on other issues, including the situation in Burundi. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation to Rwanda for hosting thousands of Burundian refugees.

Lastly, the Secretary-General hoped that Rwanda would ratify the Paris Agreement on Climate Change before the end of the year.