South Sudan is in an extended transitional period with a looming deadline of February 2027 for commitments under the 2018 peace agreement. UN envoy Nicolas Haysom emphasizes the need for immediate reforms in security and governance as elections are scheduled for December 2026. Humanitarian crises, economic turmoil, and communal violence exacerbate the challenges faced by the nation and its people.
As South Sudan enters an extended transitional period, the UN’s envoy has cautioned that critical actions must be taken to fulfill the commitments outlined in the 2018 peace agreement by the new deadline of February 2027. Initially set for three years, the timeframe for elections and building a democratic government has been prolonged multiple times due to unmet political, security, and governance benchmarks. The latest extension announced in September last year positions general elections for December 2026.
During a briefing to the Security Council, Special Representative Nicolas Haysom emphasized the patient expectation of South Sudan’s citizens for advancement in governmental reforms. He stated, “There is a strong desire for the leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement – without further delay.” He urged that critical areas such as security sector reform, electoral preparations, and judicial improvements must be prioritized without delay.
While some progress has been noted, significant shortcomings remain, particularly concerning the upcoming elections. Mr. Haysom remarked, “We have not yet seen the previously promised harmonized workplan with an operational timetable for elections,” noting the impact of funding delays and indecision among governmental bodies.
Violence among communities continues to destabilize South Sudan, severely impacting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Recent incidents of conflict in Western Equatoria and illegal checkpoints present grave security challenges. Furthermore, the ongoing military strife in neighboring Sudan is exacerbating tensions, resulting in violent disturbances in Juba, intensified by reports of executions of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan’s Wad Madani.
The humanitarian situation has worsened, with over one million refugees from Sudan joining 9.3 million people already requiring assistance in South Sudan. The economic situation remains dire, with inflation reported at 107 percent, food prices doubling, and public workers receiving no salaries for 10 months. Health crises, including over 23,000 cholera cases worsened by last year’s floods, plague the country.
Mr. Haysom, leader of the UN peacekeeping mission (UNMISS), reported logistical challenges amidst government demands for a swift relocation of mission headquarters. These requirements impose considerable operational challenges on UNMISS. Additionally, ongoing restrictions hinder peacekeeper mobility, thus limiting the mission’s capacity to ensure safety and provide humanitarian aid.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Haysom reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to supporting the South Sudanese people on their journey toward stability and democracy, committing to work closely alongside them in these trying times.
The original article discusses the precarious political situation in South Sudan, particularly focusing on the slow implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which was established to end years of conflict. As South Sudan enters a newly extended transitional period, the deadline for fulfilling commitments under this agreement has been rescheduled, necessitating urgent actions from the country’s leaders to ensure advancements in security, governance, and humanitarian support amidst ongoing crises.
The situation in South Sudan remains critical, with urgent reforms needed to meet the expectations of its people and the stipulations of the peace agreement. Despite some progress, significant work on electoral preparations and security reforms is vital as the deadline approaches. Moreover, humanitarian challenges continue to present a formidable barrier to stability and security in the region, necessitating increased international support and effective action from the government’s leaders.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
