Madam President,
Distinguished Members of the Security Council,
Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Council on the situation in South Sudan.
Since my last briefing in April, political discourse in South Sudan has increasingly been dominated by preparations for the December elections and by the challenges that the electoral process continues to raise. While elections represent an important transition milestone, concerns are growing about whether conditions, necessary for credible, peaceful and inclusive elections can be established in time.
This concern must be viewed against the backdrop of the current and challenging interconnected environment, which has seen little improvement since my last brief.
Politically, trust among key stakeholders remains fragile. Actions affecting the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, together with the absence of key opposition actors from important processes, have raised concerns regarding inclusivity, consensus-building and confidence in the remaining transition process.
Worth noting is the trial of Dr. Riek Machar has now exceeded 100 court days and continued for almost one year, during which time he has remained in detention.
From a security perspective, we remain deeply concerned by ongoing armed confrontations involving the South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in- Opposition (SPLA-IO), particularly in Jonglei, as well as ongoing tensions in other parts of the country.
We are also concerned by the cycle of communal violence in places such as Warrap and Lakes States. Civilians continue to pay the highest price, facing displacement, losing lives, homes and livelihoods as a result of insecurity.
The humanitarian situation remains extremely concerning. From January to June, violence displaced more than 420,000 people, primarily in Jonglei. These displacements compound an already severe crisis characterized by food insecurity and increasingly constrained humanitarian access. South Sudan also hosts approximately 1.4 million people fleeing the conflict in Sudan, placing additional pressure on national capacities and humanitarian services.
Disease outbreaks continue to generate additional strain on already fragile systems. Cholera remains a serious concern whilethe threat posed by Ebola in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo requires sustained vigilance and preparedness. Humanitarian personnel themselves are facing growing danger. This year alone, 36 humanitarian workers have been killed and 391 access incidents recorded, representing a significant increase over the same period last year.
Against this backdrop, it is important to recognize that the broader operating environment has not improved significantly.
In summary, the political, security, humanitarian and economic constraints that have shaped the transition over recent years largely remain in place. The political environment remains fragmented.
Concerning elections, important questions remain to be addressed regarding the political, security and institutional conditions necessary for credible, peaceful and inclusive elections. Specifically, questions persist regarding political trust, civic and political space, security arrangements, financing, constituency boundaries and broader institutional preparedness. Communities continue to experience violence and displacement, while humanitarian needs remain among the highest in the region. These realities continue to affect both implementation of the peace agreement and preparations for elections.
At the same time, there are important developments to be noted, which should be built upon.
First, the Government's announcement of a commitment stating it would not engage in renewed hostilities remains an important confidence-building measure. However, it must be anchored in the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, to be fully implemented and translated into reductions in violence on the ground by all parties.
Second, despite facing enormous economic and humanitarian pressures, South Sudan has continued to keep its borders open to those fleeing the conflict in Sudan. This policy has provided protection and refuge to large numbers of vulnerable people and merits international support.
Madam President,
Allow me now to turn briefly to UNMISS. The Mission is implementing its revised mandate in this challenging environment, focused on the priorities established by the Council: protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, supporting implementation of the peace process through our good offices, and promoting and protecting human rights.
Despite mounting challenges, including resources, our focus remains firmly on the people of South Sudan. We have maintained a protective presence in conflict-affected areas, conducted patrols in locations such as Warrap and Jonglei despite access challenges, and retained our presence in locations such as Akobo and Abiemnom to support civilian protection and facilitate humanitarian access during periods of heightened insecurity.
Politically, we have intensified engagement with national leaders, regional organizations, neighboring states and international partners to encourage consensus around a viable pathway for concluding the transition. UNMISS continues to support the efforts of the African Union High Representative, former President Jakaya Kikwete, to foster inclusive dialogue and advance the peace process. Together with the African Union, IGAD, RJMEC and other partners, we continue to advocate for dialogue, confidence-building measures and a reduction in violence.
At the same time, persistent insecurity, humanitarian pressures and political tensions require constant adaptation. To remain fit for purpose, UNMISS is reviewing its structures, activities, staffing profile and operational posture, while strengthening early warning, mobility and responsiveness to emerging threats.
Madam President,
South Sudan already possesses a framework for completing its transition peacefully through the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The central challenge remains meaningful implementation. What is required is the political will by all South Sudanese leaders to implement commitments already undertaken.
Allow me therefore to conclude with four messages.
First, the fighting must stop. Continued violence threatens civilians, undermines confidence and weakens prospects for a peaceful transition. Allparties must refrain from actions that escalate tensions or undermine confidence.
Second, civilians and humanitarian personnel must be protected, and humanitarian access must be guaranteed.
Third, political actors must return to genuine and inclusive dialogue to rebuild trust, reduce tensions and generate consensus around the way forward. Voices of political parties, civil society, faith-based actors, women, youth and other stakeholders must be heard.
Inclusive dialogue is also a necessary condition if elections are to contribute to peace and stability. Elections if managed well can become a path towards peace rather than a trigger for increased tensions.
Fourth, there is a need for an objective and realistic assessment of the minimum conditions necessary for credible elections. As such, we welcome the proposed upcoming African Union needs assessment mission. Such an assessment should be accompanied by collective efforts to address the outstanding political, security and institutional requirements identified by South Sudanese stakeholders and regional partners.
South Sudan faces significant risks. But it also retains a genuine opportunity to change course. The situation remains serious, but it is not beyond remedy.
Clear, consistent and unified action from this Council in support of these priorities would help create political space for compromise, reinforce regional initiatives and encourage South Sudan's leaders to choose consensus over confrontation.
Through a cessation of hostilities, inclusive political dialogue and renewed commitment to implementing existing agreements, this moment can still become a turning point toward the ultimate objective peace.
The people of South Sudan have endured extraordinary hardship. They deserve a transition that is inclusive, credible and capable of delivering the peaceful and stable South Sudan for which they have waited so long.
I thank you.
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Contact: UNMISS Spokesperson, Priyanka Chowdhury at chowdhury20@un.org or unmiss-spokesperson@un.org
