UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom announces a lack of interest in extending South Sudan’s transitional period. He urges leaders to swiftly address peace agreement benchmarks and highlights persistent challenges ahead of the scheduled December 2026 elections. Haysom calls for a comprehensive approach to security and governance reforms while cautioning that international support depends on demonstrated political commitment.
On February 5, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), informed the Security Council that there is a lack of interest in extending the transitional period for South Sudan. He emphasized the importance of South Sudanese leaders prioritizing the benchmarks established in the peace agreement. Haysom recognized some progress but noted that citizens expect timely action on these commitments.
During his briefing, Haysom urged leaders to expedite reforms in the security sector, electoral preparations, and constitutional adjustments. He warned that the time for decision-making is limited, urging simultaneous action on multiple issues to meet the criteria for the elections scheduled for December 2026. Despite recognizing some achievements, he highlighted significant remaining challenges.
Haysom articulated concerns regarding delays in essential processes like the deployment of unified security forces, voter education initiatives, and the establishment of a code of conduct among political parties. He emphasized the urgency for a harmonized work plan with a clear timeline for electing representatives.
Continuing his address, Haysom indicated that recent violence in South Sudan, particularly between armed factions in Western Equatoria, underscores the fragile security landscape. He noted the ongoing communal violence disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, specifically women and children. The top UN official reiterated that the current funding and political delays are obstructing necessary reforms and timelines for governance and census activities.
Furthermore, Haysom cautioned that lacking evidence of political commitment towards the peace agreement implementation would deter international support for financing election preparations. He highlighted that humanitarian, economic, and security challenges remain pressing as the electoral period approaches, thus maintaining a precarious situation.
While the UNMISS continues to protect civilians and fortify human rights, Haysom acknowledged operational hurdles faced by the mission, including a government request for UNMISS to vacate part of its headquarters. He assured that the mission aims to find collaborative resolutions with the South Sudanese government to advance its objectives effectively.
The context of this report revolves around the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan, a country that has faced protracted conflict since its independence in 2011. Following years of civil strife, a transitional government was established to facilitate peace and democratic processes, but progress has been hindered by violence, political disputes, and economic instability. The United Nations, through UNMISS, plays a pivotal role in promoting stability, supporting the peace process, and protecting the civilian population.
In conclusion, Nicholas Haysom’s remarks underscore the urgency for South Sudanese leaders to act decisively on the benchmarks established in the peace agreement, particularly as the elections scheduled for December 2026 approach. Haysom’s call to enhance security reforms, manage communal violence, and establish a clear operational framework stands as a critical plea to ensure the country’s journey towards peace and stability is accelerated. With ongoing humanitarian and developmental challenges, the international community’s engagement remains contingent on visible political will from local leaders.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
