Nicholas Haysom, the UN Special Representative for South Sudan, criticized the extension of the transitional period, citing public frustration over political inaction. He called for immediate action to implement the peace agreement and urged leaders to unify forces to prevent civilian casualties. Haysom outlined essential benchmarks for progress and highlighted the humanitarian challenges exacerbated by ongoing conflicts.
On November 7, 2024, Nicholas Haysom, the United Nations Special Representative for South Sudan, expressed grave disappointment regarding the recent extension of the transitional period in South Sudan. Speaking before the Security Council, he emphasized the widespread frustration among South Sudanese citizens concerning the delays in implementing the nation’s peace agreement. Haysom remarked that this situation reflects a concerning political paralysis among leaders, which impedes the achievement of a much-needed democratic transition. He urged that this extension should serve as the final opportunity to realize the peace and democratic governance that the populace desperately seeks. Haysom highlighted escalating violence in several states as the rainy season has ended, raising alarms over civilian casualties in regions such as Upper Nile and Central Equatoria. Despite these challenges, he affirmed that the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) remains committed to its mandate of protecting civilians. He urged South Sudan’s leaders to unite and mobilize their forces in order to establish sustainable measures to prevent further civilian harm, while also acknowledging the logistical support UNMISS has provided for the deployment of unified forces. Recognizing the urgent need for action, Haysom called for a clear implementation plan that includes realistic actions and benchmarks to guide the political process. He emphasized that the South Sudanese government must reconvene the joint task force focused on constitution-making and elections. However, he lamented that the ongoing political maneuvering has once again pushed the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement to the sidelines. Haysom presented six achievable benchmarks for the parties to prioritize, highlighting the necessity of deploying the Necessary Unified Forces, beginning civic education, and clarifying roles for electoral security. He reported that humanitarian efforts continue, with over 3.9 million people receiving aid, although funding challenges persist, with only 57 percent of the planned financial resources secured. Furthermore, the humanitarian crisis has been worsened by external conflicts, particularly that in Sudan, leading to a significant influx of refugees into South Sudan. Finally, Haysom mentioned the Tumaini Initiative aimed at integrating hold-out opposition groups into the peace agreement, which has stalled. However, discussions between South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and the Kenyan President William Ruto are expected to resume imminently. Haysom urged all parties to leverage the upcoming months to make necessary political decisions and demonstrate a commitment to channeling national resources toward achieving peace.
This report highlights the critical political environment in South Sudan, where ongoing disputes and delays in the implementation of a peace agreement have become increasingly concerning for its citizens. The United Nations has played an essential role in mediating and overseeing peace efforts, with heightened emphasis on humanitarian needs exacerbated by internal and external conflicts. The situation is further complicated by subsequent political stagnation, which prompts calls for urgent action from political leaders and the international community.
In summary, Nicholas Haysom’s remarks reflect significant frustration regarding the stagnation of peace processes in South Sudan amidst recent transitions. The urgent need for unified action among South Sudanese leadership and the international community remains paramount to deliver the peace and democratic governance that the citizens long for. Ensuring humanitarian assistance and addressing critical violence are also vital as the country strives toward stability and recovery.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
