Mr. Nicholas Haysom addressed the RJMEC Plenary Meeting, highlighting leadership changes and the collaborative goal of peaceful elections in South Sudan. He reported legislative progress, but cautioned against complacency in addressing security issues and humanitarian crises. Haysom urged decisive actions and international support for effective governance and sustainable development ahead of the new transition period.
On February 20, 2025, Mr. Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, addressed the 39th RJMEC Plenary Meeting. He began by acknowledging the leadership of Amb. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, expressing gratitude for his five years as Interim Chair and wishing him well in his future endeavors. He welcomed the new interim Chair, Major General George Aggrey Owinow, emphasizing the collaborative goal of achieving peaceful and credible elections as South Sudan enters its latest transitional phase.
Haysom reported on some progress since the last RJMEC meeting, highlighting the enactment of key legislations such as the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Act along with the Compensation and Reparation Authority Act. He praised the government’s commitment at the 2024 Governors’ Forum to enhance political and civic space, citing their agreement to repeal restrictive sections of the National Security Act as crucial for safeguarding freedoms.
The meeting also acknowledged advancements in security sector reform, with the National Security Sector Reform Conference approving vital strategic defense documents. Haysom urged the government to expedite their formal approval and implementation, alongside establishing a strong mechanism for judicial reforms, as these are essential for the rule of law and sustainable development in South Sudan.
Haysom commended the operational progress of the National Elections Commission (NEC), which has launched its website and developed a code of conduct. The UN integrated team is actively assisting the NEC and National Police Service with training on election security, in collaboration with IGAD and the AU, to support robust electoral processes ahead of the elections.
Despite these positive developments, Haysom expressed concerns over the lack of urgency regarding key transitional tasks. Recent violent clashes in regions such as Western Equatoria have illustrated the risks stemming from unresolved security arrangements. The continuing presence of conflicting military forces in close quarters has led to civilian casualties and highlights the necessity for a unified force to ensure public safety in vulnerable areas.
He noted the recent appointment of General Kuol Manyang as Chairperson of the National Transitional Committee (NTC) could help address outstanding unification tasks. However, ongoing subnational violence poses significant risks to civilian populations, with reports indicating increases in violent incidents and humanitarian crises exacerbated by conflict and climate issues.
Haysom pointed out that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has exacerbated food insecurity in South Sudan, urging for security guarantees to enable farmers to utilize the land effectively. With the transition period nearing its extension, he called for political decisiveness and immediate funding to support force unification and constitutional processes to avoid stagnation in South Sudan’s development.
In conclusion, Mr. Haysom’s address underscored the mixed progress in South Sudan’s transitional landscape. While some legislative advancements and operational efforts within the NEC reflect positive movement, significant security challenges and humanitarian concerns remain. The urgency for robust action from both the government and international partners is critical to ensure a successful transition and the establishment of lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
