Nicholas Haysom, the UN Special Representative in South Sudan, described the extension of the transitional period as “regrettable,” highlighting the frustrations of citizens due to ongoing delays in implementing the peace agreement. He called for significant political action to ensure this extension is the final one, as violence and humanitarian challenges persist in the country.
On November 7, 2024, Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan, expressed profound concern regarding the recent extension of the country’s transitional period. During a briefing to the Security Council, he conveyed the deep frustration and fatigue of South Sudanese citizens, who are increasingly disillusioned by the lack of action from their leaders in implementing the peace agreement. Haysom emphasized that this extension should signify a final opportunity to deliver the peace and democratic governance that the citizens of South Sudan deserve. Haysom noted a worrying increase in subnational violence as the rainy season comes to a close, highlighting the tragic loss of civilian lives in the Upper Nile, Central Equatoria, and Warrap states. Although the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) continues to fulfill its mission of civilian protection, he called on South Sudan’s leadership to unify and deploy their forces to effectively thwart further civilian casualties. He urged all stakeholders to reconstruct an implementation plan grounded in realistic actions and benchmarks, emphasizing the immediate need to reconvene the joint task force on constitution-making and elections. The UN official reported that the crucial tasks outlined in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan have once again been sidelined due to prevailing political interests. Haysom identified six key achievable benchmarks that should be prioritized, including initiating the deployment of Necessary Unified Forces, starting civic education, and enhancing electoral security. Furthermore, he reported on humanitarian operations aiding over 3.9 million individuals in need, while emphasizing that only 57 percent of the required funding for the 2024 humanitarian response has been secured. In light of rising challenges such as hunger and cholera, exacerbated by the conflict in Sudan and subsequent refugee influxes, Haysom urged South Sudanese leaders to utilize the next four months effectively. He underscored the importance of prioritizing national resources toward peace and making crucial political decisions to advance the peace process, especially in relation to the Tumaini Initiative aimed at engaging hold-out opposition groups in the peace negotiations.
The situation in South Sudan has been precarious since the 2018 peace agreement aimed at resolving years of conflict. The transitional period, originally intended to facilitate governance reforms and democratization, has experienced significant delays, causing disillusionment among the populace. The country has also faced escalating violence and humanitarian needs, intensified by external factors such as conflict in neighboring Sudan. The recent extension of the transitional period has sparked critical discussions regarding the commitment of South Sudanese leaders to uphold the peace agreement and implement necessary reforms.
In conclusion, Nicholas Haysom’s statements at the Security Council illustrate a deep concern regarding the extension of South Sudan’s transitional period, revealing widespread frustration among the citizens. The UN official advocates for a unified approach from South Sudan’s leadership and the international community to realize a sustainable peace, emphasizing the need for immediate action on several critical benchmarks. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, there is an urgent call for prioritizing peace efforts and addressing the needs of the population.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
