South Sudan is in an “extended transitional period” as the UN envoy stresses the need for urgent action on commitments made under the 2018 peace agreement, now with a deadline of February 2027. Significant gaps remain in respect to political and security measures, while the humanitarian crisis worsens amidst escalating violence and economic instability. UNMISS faces logistical challenges amid governmental constraints, as the UN seeks to support the nation towards stabilization and democratization.
As South Sudan embarks on a so-called “extended transitional period” this month, the United Nations envoy, Nicolas Haysom, has issued a warning about the urgency in accomplishing the commitments outlined in the critical 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. The deadline for achieving these commitments has been set for February 2027.
Initially, this peace accord, designed to conclude years of civil strife, had a three-year timeline for elections and the establishment of a democratic government. However, the transition has undergone four extensions, with numerous political, security, and governance benchmarks still unmet. The most recent extension, announced in September of last year, schedules general elections for December 2026.
During the Security Council briefing, Mr. Haysom noted that while citizens of South Sudan have demonstrated patience, there is a pressing expectation for their leaders to focus on fulfilling the peace agreement’s benchmarks without further delays. “There is a strong desire for the leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement – without further delay,” he stated.
Despite some advancements, significant gaps remain, particularly concerning the upcoming elections in December 2026. Mr. Haysom pointed out that while some frameworks have been established for security management and community violence reduction, crucial conditions are still pending, including the full deployment of unified security forces and voter education initiatives. He emphasized, “We have not yet seen the previously promised harmonized workplan with an operational timetable for elections.”
The security situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with communal violence posing a significant threat to vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Recent conflicts in Western Equatoria and reports of illegal checkpoints underscore the tenuous security environment. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan is exacerbating unrest in South Sudan, including violence in Juba linked to the execution of South Sudanese nationals.
The humanitarian crisis is increasingly dire, as over one million refugees fleeing from Sudan have entered South Sudan, further stressing the already overwhelmed healthcare system. Currently, 9.3 million people in South Sudan require humanitarian assistance, with economic conditions deteriorating as inflation has soared to 107 percent and food prices have doubled. The worsening health situation has seen over 23,000 cholera cases reported amid last year’s floods.
UN officials are attempting to implement the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which aims to assist 5.4 million individuals. However, achieving this goal is hindered by a funding gap, with the UN appealing for $1.7 billion this year to address urgent needs. Meanwhile, logistical constraints are being experienced by the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, after the South Sudanese government demanded the mission vacate portions of its headquarters within 45 days, creating significant operational difficulties.
In conclusion, Mr. Haysom reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to supporting South Sudan’s people as they work towards stabilization and democratization, emphasizing the importance of immediate actions from leaders to ensure a successful transition.
The current situation in South Sudan is framed by the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement aimed at ending protracted conflict. The country has faced numerous extensions of its transitional period as key commitments regarding governance and elections remain unfulfilled. This environment is compounded by worsening humanitarian crises, economic instability, and continued violence. The role of the UN in mediating and assisting the transition is pivotal, as is the engagement of South Sudanese leaders in meeting the specified benchmarks of peace and development.
In essence, South Sudan’s extended transitional period underscores a critical juncture for the nation, with significant commitments owed to the peace agreement from its leaders. The humanitarian landscape is deteriorating, necessitating immediate action to secure stability and prepare for upcoming elections. The international community, led by the United Nations, reinforces its commitment to support South Sudan through these challenging times, underscoring the urgency for progress on numerous fronts.
Original Source: news.un.org
