The United Nations Security Council concluded a three-day visit to South Sudan today by reaffirming its support for peace in South Sudan and reiterated its calls to the transitional Government of National Unity to operationalize commitments announced in a joint communique.

“The fact that we are getting on the UN plane and going home, does not mean that we are going to forget about them,” said Ambassador Samantha Power, The United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, adding that “what no one can endure is the legacy of having seen this beautiful newest country of the UN torn apart.”

In a briefing to reporters at the conclusion of the Council’s visit, Ambassador Power said, the international community should not give up on the cause of peace in South Sudan and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to help ensure peace and stability in South Sudan.

She said that some good commitments came out of the trip, with the Transitional Government of National Unity announcing its acceptance to the deployment of the regional protection force.

A joint communique issued on Sunday indicates that the Transitional Government of National Unity is committed to remove impediments to the ability of UNMISS to implement its mandate.

This would include reviewing procedures related to movement of UNMISS and streamlining bureaucratic processes. She noted that the call for peace must be felt in the hearts of the leadership.

Ambassador Samantha however cautioned that these commitments will be measured by the extent to which South Sudanese people feel safer than they are now.

UNSC stress need for unity

Ambassador Fode Seck, the co-lead of the UN Security Council delegation to South Sudan, said this was “a very positive visit, both on the side of the government and on the side of the UN Security Council.”

He remains optimistic that the government would stick to its commitments, and stressed the need for the citizens to unite for nation building.

“This country is so blessed by nature and it can become the giant of Africa, feeding Africa, exporting and contributing to the continents development,” he added.

Ambassador Fode Seck’s message: “Let them believe in themselves, let them work with their government, let them forget about the tribal divide.”

Mr. Yoshifumi Okamura, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations also acknowledged that the trip was constructive because it gave the UN Security Council delegates an opportunity to develop a good mutual understanding of the situation in South Sudan.

Ambassador Okamura’s message; “Stop fighting it’s time to get together for nation building.” 

Ambassador Peter Wilson, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the UK to the United Nations, said the trip was an eye opener for the UN Security council delegates.

“I have learnt a great deal on this trip and I think that all of us on the Security Council will go with renewed determination, to ensure that we are doing our part to bring peace to this country.”

Ambassador Wilson commended the Government of South Sudan for its commitment to partner with the UN and make progress in supporting the peace.

“We are intent on forming a genuine partnership with the government of South Sudan to make the lives of the people in this country better and to bring peace, that’s what we are here for.” Ambassador Wilson said.

Peter Wilson’s message: “what the newest country in the world needs is unity, that is the most important thing.”

The Council delegation was co- led co-led by the Permanent Representatives of the Missions of Senegal and the United States.

The officials held a series of high-level meetings with to hold meetings with President Salva Kiir and other Transitional Government members, civil society groups, faith based organization and senior UN and officials.

The other Council Member States represented in the 15 -member delegation include Angola, China, Egypt, France, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Senegal, Spain, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.