HomeUnited NationsSouth Sudan: Extended roadmap for lasting peace deal, a ‘way point, not...

South Sudan: Extended roadmap for lasting peace deal, a ‘way point, not an end point’ 

Turning to the humanitarian situation, he acknowledged that food security continues to deteriorate, leaving some 8.3 million people in need and outstripping available funding. He assured that South Sudan’s natural resources have “tremendous potential” for either conflict, or cooperation.  
While a welcome development, he reminded that “there is no alternative to the implementation of the peace agreement”. 

Inclusive political process 

The UNMISS chief flagged the importance of an inclusive political process and the opening of civic spaces as “essential conditions” for a robust and competitive electoral process. 
She underscored that election timelines are indispensable, noting that four years on, levels of revitalized agreement implementation have not brought security or ended humanitarian misery. 
Meanwhile, Lilian Riziq, President, South Sudan Women’s Empowerment Network discussed a broad-based and inclusive process for all key participants, underscoring the need for a new transitional governance process.  

Violence continues 

“Our collective task now is to support the parties in fulfilling their obligations to the people of South Sudan as per the timing of the Roadmap,” he concluded. 
In closing, the Special Representative reaffirmed the importance of the international community’s support. 

UN Special Representative for South Sudan Nicholas Haysom briefs Security Council. (file) He then outlined some steps underway – from President Salva Kiir and first Vice-President Riek Machar’s agreement to resolve the parliamentary impasse, to the graduation of the first class of joint armed forces recruits – for which budgetary resources, integration and deployment, are vital to allow a broader security sector transformation. 
“The Mission is strengthening its support to the justice chain in each state…to address crimes that risk destabilizing the peace, including those involving gender-based violence,” he told the ambassadors. 
1/4 SRSG Haysom @ UNSC: “Subnational violence—marked by cycles of cattle raiding, abductions, revenge killings—continues devastate communities and drive humanitarian needs.” pic.twitter.com/3K78FQefze
She also highlighted ways that precious oil revenues in South Sudan, have been heavily misused. 
He went on to describe violence on the regional level, marked by cycles of cattle raiding, abduction, and revenge killings along with fighting in Upper Nile state that has displaced thousands of people. 

Noting that the Humanitarian Response Plan is only 44.6 per cent funded, he urged donors to fulfil their pledges. “Let me underscore that the roadmap is a way point, not an end point”, he said. 

‘Litmus test’ 

“It is always political that can make the difference”. 
“Failure to address these critical issues…have the potential to reverse the gains made,” Mr. Haysom warned. 
UN Special Representative Nicholas Haysom said that although key provisions of the Agreement are set to end by February, the parties agreed in August on a Roadmap that extends the current transitional period by 24 months. 

Indispensable timelines 

He asserted that the next few months would be “a litmus test” for the parties to demonstrate their commitment to the Roadmap, warning against “delays and setbacks”. 
UN Special Representative for South Sudan Nicholas Haysom briefs Security Council. (file)
Mr. Haysom said that UNMISS has managed to accomplish a “double pivot” in its focus and operations, by channeling resources towards the political process; proactive deployment to violent hotspots; and expanding its protection presence for civilians. 

Source

Stay Connected
255FansLike
473FollowersFollow
Must Read
Related News