The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairman of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). They discussed the regional peace and security challenges, as well as climate change. The Secretary-General seized the opportunity of the meeting to commend the leadership role of Ethiopia in the promotion of regional peace and security, and its contribution to peacekeeping.

The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister expressed alarm at the situation in South Sudan and the risk of further escalation, with far-reaching consequences for the country and its people, as well as for the region. They agreed on the need for an urgent and enhanced international action to avert full blown violence and further atrocities, and put back on track the implementation process of the agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.

The Secretary-General informed the Prime Minister about his recommendations to the Security Council in favour of an arms embargo, the imposition of targeted sanctions against individuals involved in violence and blocking the implementation of the peace agreement, and the reinforcement of the UN Mission in South Sudan. The Secretary-General indicated that he was looking forward to the outcome of the deliberations of the IGAD and African Union Heads of State and Government, emphasizing the important role of the African leaders.

The Secretary-General thanked the Ethiopian Prime Minister for his country’s key role and sacrifices towards the stabilization efforts in Somalia. The need to spare no efforts in creating the required security conditions for the successful holding of the forthcoming elections was emphasized.

The Prime Minister reassured the Secretary-General of Ethiopia’s continued engagement to ensure peace and stability in South Sudan and in Somalia.

The Secretary-General underlined the debilitating effects of El Nino and La Nina globally and in the Horn of Africa region in particular. The Prime Minister informed him of the steps taken by Ethiopia to mitigate the impact of La Nina and its commitment to the global efforts to address climate change, including through the early ratification of the Paris Agreement.