The UN emphasizes the urgent need for South Sudan leaders to implement peace agreement benchmarks without further delay. Nicholas Haysom highlighted the lack of appetite for another extension of the transitional period, underscoring the necessity for reforms in security, electoral processes, and governance. The current challenges, including communal violence and delays in decision-making, threaten the upcoming elections scheduled for December 2026.
On February 5, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), addressed the Security Council, indicating that South Sudanese leaders must promptly implement the benchmarks established in the peace agreement. He declared that there is no inclination towards extending the transitional period any further, acknowledging some progress but stressing that citizens expect effective actions from their leaders.
Haysom highlighted the necessity for accelerated reforms, including security sector reforms, preparation for elections, and constitutional reforms. He stated that the political environment is fragile, with ongoing communal violence affecting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The urgency of meeting election timelines, currently set for December 2026, was emphasized as gaps in preparations persist.
Despite some progress in the adoption of strategies for security sector management and community violence reduction, Haysom pointed out critical unmet conditions, such as the deployment of unified security forces and voter education initiatives. Delays in governmental decision-making and funding are further hindering progress, with the situation worsened by recent clashes between armed groups, notably in Western Equatoria.
Haysom warned that the timelines concerning constitution-making and national census do not align with the framework for December 2026 elections. He reiterated that without tangible evidence of political will to implement key benchmarks, there would be limited support from the international community for the peace agreement’s execution and subsequent elections.
As South Sudan faces numerous ongoing humanitarian, economic, and security challenges, Haysom underscored that conditions remain tenuous. He assured that UNMISS continues its mandate of protecting civilians and enhancing human rights while supporting the peace process. Some operational challenges persist, such as a request from the government for UNMISS to vacate part of its headquarters, which is being addressed collaboratively.
The article discusses the current state of South Sudan’s transitional period as addressed by Nicholas Haysom during a UN Security Council meeting. South Sudan has faced significant challenges in implementing a peace agreement intended to guide the country towards stability and elections in December 2026. The region’s leaders have been urged to take definitive actions to address security concerns and political reforms amid ongoing violence and governance issues, which are critical for the country’s future.
In conclusion, the UN stresses the urgency for South Sudanese leaders to fulfill their commitments regarding peace and governance benchmarks without delay. As the country attempts to stabilize ahead of upcoming elections, collaboration with international bodies and political will from local leaders are vital to mitigating humanitarian and security crises. Progress remains imperative, yet several factors hinder the execution of strategies essential for a peaceful political transition.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
