As South Sudan enters an extended transitional period, UN envoy Nicolas Haysom warned that progress on the 2018 peace agreement is pressing, with elections now set for December 2026. Key benchmarks remain unmet, communal violence exacerbates insecurity, and humanitarian needs are critical with millions requiring aid. The UN’s support is vital to curb deterioration amidst considerable logistical challenges faced by peacekeeping efforts.
As South Sudan embarks on its extended transitional period this month, the United Nations special envoy has issued a warning regarding the limited time available to fulfill commitments under the pivotal 2018 peace agreement, which now has a new deadline of February 2027. Originally designed to conclude years of conflict, the Revitalized Peace Agreement mandated a three-year timeline for elections and the establishment of a democratic government, but this timeline has already been extended four times, with numerous political, security, and governance benchmarks still unmet.
In a recent briefing to the Security Council, Special Representative for South Sudan, Nicolas Haysom, highlighted the citizens’ growing impatience for progress. He emphasized that there is a pressing expectation for the leadership to concentrate on the established benchmarks stipulated in the peace agreement. Haysom asserted, “There is a strong desire for the leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement – without further delay.”
Mr. Haysom expressed urgency for South Sudan’s leaders to expedite crucial reforms, particularly regarding the security sector, electoral processes, and constitutional and judicial reforms. He reiterated that the transitional period is already advancing, and decision-makers must urgently address several simultaneous issues to foster genuine progress. His remarks reflected an awareness of the current stalling in critical areas, which could hinder future development.
Despite some advancements, significant gaps continue to hinder the electoral plans for December 2026. Key conditions such as the full integration of unified security forces, voter education initiatives, and a conduct code among political entities remain unaddressed. Mr. Haysom noted the absence of a harmonized work plan crucial for operationalizing the electoral timetable, citing delays in government financing and decision-making as impediments to necessary progress.
Ongoing communal violence presents notable security challenges, adversely impacting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Recent incidents of armed clashes in Western Equatoria and reports of illicit checkpoints underscore the precarious security landscape. Additionally, the conflict involving rival military factions in neighboring Sudan is contributing to unrest within South Sudan, as evidenced by violent incidents in Juba linked to the treatment of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan.
Amidst these challenges, over one million refugees from Sudan have migrated to South Sudan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, which affects approximately 9.3 million individuals requiring urgent aid. The economic crisis is deepening, with inflation rates soaring to 107 percent and food prices doubling, compounding the plight of citizens who have not received government salaries for nearly ten months. Health conditions are also worsening, marked by over 23,000 cholera cases resulting from last year’s floods.
The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan aims to deliver critical assistance to 5.4 million individuals; however, funding remains a significant challenge, with UN agencies appealing for $1.7 billion this year to address immediate needs. Not only is the humanitarian situation grave, but operational difficulties for the UN peacekeeping mission (UNMISS) are also growing. Mr. Haysom referenced requests from the government for UNMISS to vacate certain headquarters sections within 45 days, posing logistical challenges that the mission is unprepared to manage.
Finally, Mr. Haysom reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to standing alongside the people of South Sudan during this challenging phase, emphasizing the importance of stable governance and the promotion of democracy. His concluding statements highlighted the commitment to continuous support amidst the evolving security and humanitarian challenges facing the nation.
The ongoing situation in South Sudan is critical, especially as the country navigates an extended transitional period following a protracted civil conflict. The Revitalized Peace Agreement, established to facilitate a transition to democratic governance, has seen multiple delays, highlighting the complexities of implementing political and security reforms. The renewed deadline for elections and the interplay between local conflicts and broader regional instability underscore the urgent need for progress and international support.
South Sudan’s extended transitional period faces significant challenges marked by unmet commitments from the 2018 peace agreement, ongoing security threats, and a dire humanitarian crisis. The situation requires immediate action from national leaders to fulfill critical benchmarks, particularly concerning electoral processes and community stabilization measures, while the international community must offer sustained support to navigate these obstacles effectively.
Original Source: news.un.org
