Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, stated to the Security Council that South Sudanese leaders must prioritize the peace agreement benchmarks without further delay. He emphasized the lack of willingness for another transitional extension and urged swift action on critical reforms ahead of the December 2026 elections. Haysom also outlined ongoing challenges, including security issues and government funding delays, which hinder progress.
On February 5, 2025, Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), addressed the Security Council, emphasizing an urgent need for South Sudanese leaders to focus on the peace agreement’s benchmarks. He stated, “There is no appetite for another extension,” recognizing the strides made while encouraging declarations from governors to broaden civic and political spaces in their respective states.
During his briefing, Haysom highlighted the growing impatience among citizens, who anticipate tangible progress. He urged leaders to expedite essential reforms, including security sector enhancement, electoral preparations, and constitutional and judicial reforms. He noted that urgency was paramount given the countdown to the extended transitional period’s conclusion.
Haysom articulated that although some advancements have occurred, substantial gaps remain, particularly regarding the upcoming elections in December 2026. He specified that unmet conditions relate to the deployment of unified security forces and the establishment of a code of conduct among political factions.
Further complicating the situation, Haysom mentioned that communal violence continues to drive insecurity, with vulnerable groups, including women and children, being disproportionately affected. He pointed to violent confrontations in Western Equatoria and concerns over illegal checkpoints as indicators of the fragile security landscape.
He stressed that current timelines for constitutional reform and census do not align effectively with the framework for the upcoming elections, attributing some hindrances to inadequate government funding and stalled legal and political decisions. Haysom cautioned that without a political commitment to expedite the benchmarks, financial support from the international community for the peace agreement’s implementation would be unlikely.
In the midst of humanitarian, economic, and security difficulties, Haysom forewarned that South Sudan’s condition would remain precarious as the electoral period approaches. He reassured that UNMISS will persist in supporting civilian protection and bolstering the rule of law, within its operational mandate, while partnering with the South Sudanese populace in the path towards stabilization.
Haysom also brought attention to operational issues faced by UNMISS, including a recent request from the government to vacate certain areas of its headquarters, reiterating the Mission’s intent to work cooperatively to resolve these matters.
The political landscape in South Sudan remains volatile as the country prepares for crucial upcoming elections amidst ongoing security challenges and humanitarian crises. The peace agreement initially aimed to stabilize the nation has seen mixed progress, with critical reforms yet to be fulfilled, particularly concerning electoral processes and governance structures. The United Nations, through UNMISS, plays a supportive role, urging local leaders to adhere to the peace benchmarks in light of public expectations for change.
In conclusion, the situation in South Sudan underscores the urgent need for political will among local leaders to meet the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement. With escalating communal violence and the pressing timeline for the December 2026 elections, both governance reforms and international support hinge on demonstrable commitment from the South Sudanese leadership. The UN remains steadfast in its support for the nation’s journey toward stability and democratization.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
