Ambassador Zhong Jianhua. PHOTO: COURTESY
Carol Mwangi in Beijing, China
The Chinese government has hailed the formation of the transitional government in South Sudan, which saw former rebel leader Riek Machar appointed as the world’s youngest nation’s First Vice-President.
Speaking to journalists in Beijing, Ambassador Zhong Jianhua who is the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs, expressed confidence that the deal will hold and that peace shall prevail.
“We as a government are cautiously optimistic about the future of South Sudan. The country’s leaders must remember that peace and security are essential for the growth of the people and the economy.”
Zhong’s sentiments come a week after the World Food Programme said that 5.3 million people in South Sudan are facing hunger, citing insecurity, displacement of persons and poor harvests.
