The extension of South Sudan’s transitional period has prompted disappointment among citizens due to ongoing political inaction regarding the peace agreement implementation. UN official Nicholas Haysom highlighted concerns over rising violence and called for unified action among political leaders to deliver peace and democracy. He outlined crucial benchmarks required for progress and underscored the urgent need for immediate political decisions to move the peace process forward against the backdrop of a humanitarian crisis.
The extension of South Sudan’s transitional period has sparked significant frustration among the populace due to ongoing delays in the implementation of the peace agreement. Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan, articulated concerns to the Security Council, emphasizing that the extension represents a regrettable setback amid the political paralysis that has hindered genuine democratic progress. He urged national leaders to utilize this extension as an opportunity to fulfill their promises of peace and democracy for the citizens, highlighting the urgent need for unity and decisive action among political elites. Haysom noted a troubling rise in violence coinciding with the end of the rainy season, leading to numerous civilian casualties in various regions. Despite these challenges, he reiterated UNMISS’s commitment to protecting civilians and provided logistical assistance for the unified force’s deployment. He called for immediate political actions, including the reconvening of a government-led task force dedicated to constitutional reform and electoral processes. Furthermore, Haysom identified six crucial benchmarks necessary for progress, including commencing the second phase of unified forces training and establishing clear responsibilities for electoral security. The humanitarian situation remains alarming, with ongoing efforts to address food insecurity and health crises exacerbated by regional conflicts, notably the influx of over 830,000 South Sudanese returning from Sudan since April 2023. To facilitate progress, Haysom urged South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize national resources for peace and to act decisively within the extended time frame to demonstrate their commitment to national stability and prosperity. He expressed hope that upcoming dialogues could reinvigorate the stalled Tumaini Initiative, aimed at fostering inclusion among opposition groups in the peace agreement.
South Sudan has been experiencing prolonged political instability since its independence in 2011, following decades of civil war. The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict aimed to bring lasting peace and transform the transitional government structure. However, continuous delays in implementing critical provisions of the peace deal have led to frustration among citizens and have been exacerbated by regional conflicts, notably the humanitarian crisis arising from violence in neighboring Sudan. The UN has been closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the necessity for unity among South Sudanese leaders to ensure the safety and welfare of the population and to facilitate a smooth transition to democracy.
In conclusion, the extension of South Sudan’s transitional period signals a critical juncture for the nation, with heightened demands for accountability and action from its leaders. Nicholas Haysom has stressed the importance of seizing this period to implement meaningful changes that meet the needs of the South Sudanese people. The international community, including the UN, remains invested in supporting these efforts, ensuring that humanitarian needs are addressed while fostering a conducive environment for peace and democratic governance.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
