France condemns southern Sudan unrest, expresses concern over human rights violations

France condemned on Wednesday the unrest and fighting in the town of Malakal, capital of Upper Nile in southern Sudan, expressing concerns over continuing human rights violations in the country. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that "France appealed to all parties involved in southern Sudan to ceasefire and implement the agreement signed on the status of detainees, last January 23rd." The statement noted the need to continue political negotiations, which began on February 11th in Addis Ababa. France also expressed concern on grave human rights violations and about the humanitarian disaster that hit southern Sudan since December 15th of last year, calling for ensuring the protection of the civilian population and aid access.