The UN’s Nicholas Haysom announced no support for extending South Sudan’s transitional period, urging leaders to focus on peace agreement benchmarks. He highlighted the need for reforms related to elections and security while warning of financial and political delays. Haysom emphasized that the humanitarian situation remains fragile, necessitating swift action to stabilize the country ahead of the December 2026 elections.
On February 5, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), informed the Security Council that there is no support for extending the transitional period any further. He emphasized that South Sudanese leaders must concentrate on meeting the benchmarks of the peace agreement promptly. Haysom acknowledged that while some progress is evident in specific areas, the leaders need to act responsibly to meet public expectations regarding progress and accountability.
Haysom urged the acceleration of critical processes including security sector reforms, election preparations, and constitutional and judicial reforms. He explained that the current transitional period is time-sensitive. Despite some achievements, significant gaps remain, particularly with the upcoming elections slated for December 2026. Haysom pointed to unmet conditions like the full deployment of unified security forces and the necessity for voter education strategies.
He noted that delays in funding and decision-making are substantial obstacles to achieving these goals. Haysom mentioned ongoing communal violence as a significant insecurity factor in South Sudan, which adversely impacts vulnerable demographics, especially women and children. He highlighted recent violent clashes in Western Equatoria that exacerbate the precarious security situation.
The timelines for constitution-making and conducting a census do not align with the framework for December’s elections, which is exacerbated by insufficient government funding and postponed political decisions. Haysom cautioned that without demonstrated political will, the international community would be reluctant to provide necessary resources for implementing the peace agreement and election processes.
As humanitarian, economic, and security challenges persist, Haysom warned that South Sudan’s situation will remain unstable as elections approach. He reiterated UNMISS’s commitment to protecting civilians and supporting human rights and the rule of law, affirming their role in aiding the transition from conflict to stability. The operational challenges faced by UNMISS include a government request to vacate part of their base. Collaboration with South Sudan’s leadership is critical in resolving these issues.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced persistent instability, largely due to ongoing violent conflicts and political strife. The transitional government’s mandate, defined in the 2018 peace agreement, includes completing critical reforms and conducting elections to establish a more viable governance structure. However, timelines for these processes have been marred by slow execution, lack of funding, and political disagreements. The UNMISS plays a crucial role in facilitating peace efforts, protecting civilians, and fostering democratic processes in the country.
In summary, the UN indicates a clear necessity for South Sudanese leaders to expedite their commitment to the benchmarks set forth in the peace agreement, as further extensions of the transitional period lack support. Major challenges remain ahead of the planned elections, particularly in the areas of security, funding, and political will. Without prompt action, the humanitarian and political climate could deteriorate further, hindering the country’s path to stability.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
