The ambassadors were briefed by Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission in the country. DO NOT MISSwho informed them about the latest political, humanitarian and human rights developments.
South Sudan’s warring sides signed the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018, establishing a unity transitional government. The roadmap announced last August aims to complete the main remaining tasks under the agreement.
“Second Mortgage” for Peace
Mr Haysom said progress included the passing of key bills and the ratification by the legislature of the roadmap, which extends the current transition period by 24 months and paves the way for elections.
“We believe the roadmap is a second mortgage on the revived peace accord; one that must be repaid in good faith and within the stipulated deadlines,” he told the council.
“As moral guarantors and partners to this agreement, our common responsibility is to ensure that the parties receive the best possible international support to help them fulfill their obligations to the people of South Sudan.”
foundation for stability
The UN envoy reported that in his discussions with President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar and other national leaders, he underscored the need for “consistent and continued progress” on the roadmap benchmarks.
“We call on those involved to design the roadmap not as an exercise in ticking boxesbut rather a qualitative process to lay the right foundations for a stable and democratic nation,” he said.
Legal and technical arrangements for elections should be completed soon, he continued, as the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) reviewed the election law.
This is the first step in providing the legal basis for the reconstitution of the commission that will guide the electoral process.
Critical deadlines missed
“While I applaud NCAC’s progress in reviewing this law, I note that the issue of implementing Quotas for women and people with disabilities remains unresolved,” he said.
“I encourage the parties to reach a compromise on this matter so that this legislation can be finalized at the earliest opportunity.”
Mr Haysom was also concerned that the deadlines for the Political Parties Act, the newly formed National Constitutional Review Commission and the establishment of the Constitutional Drafting Committee were missed.
“We keep reminding the South Sudanese about the two-year extension should not be considered a vacation break. We fear that delays are already having a knock-on effect on subsequent key benchmarks,” he warned.
Clashes, cattle raids and conflicts
The UNMISS chief also expressed concern over clashes between armed militias that have led to displacement in northern Yonglei and neighboring Upper Nile states.
He briefed the ambassadors on worrisome intercommunal violence in another state, Warrap, as well as on cattle robbing and migration-related conflicts in the Equatoria states.
Mr Haysom drew attention to the continued concern for the security situation in Upper Nile State. The violence there has taken on an ethnic dimension, he said, condemning killings, conflict-related sexual violence, looting and large-scale displacement of civilians.
Thousands of people have fled towards the UNMISS base in Kodok and its civilian shelter in the country’s capital, Malakal, which is already overcrowded.
Effects on elections
Earlier this month, the UN mission and its partners issued a statement calling on the authorities to intervene while calling for an end to the violence and abuse.
They warned that credible elections cannot take place in such an environment and that there will be consequences for those who encourage conflict.
Mr Haysom said tensions will continue to simmer and heat up as the election date approaches.
“UNMISS will steadfastly prioritize the protection of civilians in all aspects of our mandates and missions: whether in responding to urgent protection needs, such as subnational violence, or in supporting a broader peace that is taking root, one that is underpinned by judicial institutions , human rights and accountability,” he affirmed.
“These efforts will go a long way toward expanding civic and political space and a culture of nonviolent debate and dispute resolution.”
Increasing humanitarian needs
On human rights, Mr Haysom said UNMISS had issued five reports on the subject this year.
The mission has also welcomed the unity government’s establishment of committees of inquiry into subnational violence, but Mr Haysom urged these panels to make their findings public.
“This would demonstrate the government’s commitment to accountability to perpetrators, justice for survivors and a path to reconciliation for all communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, humanitarian workers predict an estimated 9.4 million people in South Sudan – out of a population of about 12 million – will need assistance and protection over the next year.
Needs continue to exceed needs and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country has been exacerbated by floods and localized droughts.
Mr. Haysom also reported on the grim fact that humanists continue to give their lives to serve there. Nine aid workers were killed on duty that year, he said.
