UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom reported to the Security Council highlighting the need for South Sudan’s leaders to focus on peace agreement benchmarks and reforms without further delay. He noted the public’s impatience for progress and flagged challenges related to security setups and electoral preparations for the upcoming 2026 elections. Haysom warned that the lack of political will could jeopardize international support for peace processes.
On February 5, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), addressed the Security Council, stating that there is little interest in extending the transitional period again. He stressed the importance for South Sudanese leaders to prioritize the benchmarks established in the peace agreement without delay, acknowledging progress while also highlighting existing challenges.
Haysom emphasized that the South Sudanese populace has shown patience but is eager for genuine progress. He urged the leaders to concentrate on essential reforms, including security sector enhancements, preparations for elections, and updates to the constitution and legal systems.
Despite some milestones being achieved, Haysom noted that significant hurdles remain, especially concerning the elections planned for December 2026. He pointed out the absence of a unified security force deployment, lack of voter education, and the need for a code of conduct among political stakeholders.
The UN representative stated that delays in government decisions and funding are exacerbating the situation, and ongoing communal violence continues to pose serious risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and children. Recent conflicts and illegal checkpoints exacerbate the insecurity in the nation.
Haysom remarked that current timelines for constitutional changes and census do not align with the election schedule. He warned that the international community would not provide support for peace agreement implementation without visible political commitment from South Sudan’s leaders to meet essential milestones.
As South Sudan navigates ongoing humanitarian, economic, and security problems, the environment remains precarious heading into the electoral phase. UNMISS continues its mission to protect civilians and bolster human rights and the rule of law, aiming to facilitate the country’s path toward stabilization and democratic governance.
The UN mission is also facing operational challenges, including a government demand to vacate parts of its headquarters, which it is addressing collaboratively with local authorities.
The situation in South Sudan remains critical with ongoing political instability, humanitarian crises, and security challenges. Following the country’s independence in 2011, a civil war erupted in 2013, leading to a peace deal aimed at restoring stability. The transitional period following the agreement has seen delays in implementing reforms necessary for establishing a peaceful democratic governance, particularly with upcoming elections. The UN continues to monitor this meticulously while providing support to South Sudanese citizens.
South Sudan faces significant urgency in advancing reforms to adhere to the peace agreement without further extension of the transitional period. The international community’s support hinges on visible political will and progress from national leaders. Ongoing violence and political delays threaten to undermine stability as the December 2026 elections approach, necessitating immediate action from all parties involved.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
