The Security Council has extended its UNMISS mission for South Sudan (UNMISS) by another year as the world’s youngest nation is on the verge of a new conflict crisis.
The resolution, introduced by the United States and supported by 11 other councillors, extended the UNMISS duties until April 30th next year.
The action can follow a short nine-day “technical rollover” approved by the council on April 30th, which could increase negotiation time.
Through a text adopted on Thursday, the Security Council approved a peacekeeping mission to “use all necessary means” to carry out its mission, including helping to protect civilians, providing assistance, supporting the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement and investigating violations of international law.
Three countries abstained: China, Pakistan and Russia.
Earth Volatile Situations
The update takes place amidst South Sudan’s increasingly unstable political and security situation.
The head of UNMISS NICHOLAS HAYSOM warned the ambassador in April that the fragile 2018 peace agreement signed by vulnerable rival President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar was unraveling.
Political conflicts, including Machar’s arrest, reportedly escalated to open military conflicts, but misinformation and hate speech promote ethnic division and instability.
“This situation implies conflicts in 2013 and 2016, with life expectancy of over 400,000 people,” Haysom said.
Unmiss Mandate
The resolution maintains the mission-wide troop ceiling for 17,000 troops, including 88 judicial and amendment advisors, and 2,101 police.
The Council also expressed its readiness to consider adjusting the level of force and capacity building based on future conditions.
The resolution expressed “deep concern” over the delay in the implementation of the 2018 agreement, urging South Sudan leaders to urgently show political will and build mutual trust. It urged parties to engage in open and constructive dialogue.
He also emphasized that “organizing and funding free and fair elections is the responsibility of the South Sudan authorities,” and called on the interim government to adopt an appropriate legislative framework to fund national elections.
The resolution also condemned the use of sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers and intervention in humanitarian operations.
UNMISS was first established in 2011 by the Security Council to maintain security and stability after South Sudan’s independence from Sudan.
Security Council meeting broadcast
Speaking before adoption, US representative Dorothy Shea called on the international community to bring South Sudan back “from the brink.”
She cited worsening conditions on the ground, including recent attacks on civilians and infrastructure. She also noted the ongoing challenges facing Unmiss, including undermining the ability of the mission to carry out its duties.
“In short, as we all hope to agree, the goal of Unmiss should be to make itself unnecessary by guiding lasting peace. In South Sudan, days where peacekeeping is no longer necessary will be bright,” the ambassador said.
She added that the UN peacekeeping orders, including Unmiss, “should not pursue ideological goals that are difficult to define and more challenging implementation on earth, but should focus on the Core Chapter VII function.”
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Unnecessarily politicized: Pakistan
Pakistan, which is on the verge of resolution alongside China and Russia, explained its position.
Deputy Permanent Representative Mohammed Usman Iqbal Jadoon said UN peacekeeping Misson should enjoy “complete and unified support” from the Security Council.
“But this task is complicated when mandate resolutions are unnecessary politicized,” he said, noting that mission mandate “must be tailored to the needs of the ground, not to the political priorities of council members.”
The resolution includes the issue with Unmiss “no direct link,” which hinders the consensus of the 15 council members, he added.
That said, Jadoon has reiterated his full support for Unmiss and its leadership in his country.
“In South Sudan, it remains a stable force. We are very grateful for the dedication of those who carry out their duties under difficult conditions and peacekeepers.”
