United Nations – The Transitional Government in South Sudan must “start work from day one”
to address the issues of governance, financial misappropriation and improve the rule of law, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous said.
He made the remark while briefing the Security Council on Tuesday in New York.
Ladsous, who said that the current slump in oil prices pushed South Sudan to the brink of economic collapse, added that “even if the parties fully implement the peace agreement, the economic challenges will not be overcome without significant reforms and international assistance.”
In addition, he said, other conflict drivers such as the creation of the new 28 states, should be addressed in accordance with the Summit Decision of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the position of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC).
“A unilateral implementation of this order would be detrimental to the peace efforts; it also requires tremendous resources that South Sudan cannot afford,” he added.
In that regard, he urged the Security Council, in coordination with the African Union (AU), to engage President Salva Kiir on the issue with the aim to halt the implementation of the order until the issue is mutually resolved within the transitional government.
Ladsous also emphasised the need for all parties to address the issue of impunity.
He said that “without justice and reconciliation, healing old wounds will not be possible, particularly if impunity is not addressed.
“There is a need for all parties to unite on this issue and agree on national reconciliation and transitional justice, including establishing the Hybrid Court as per the agreed timeline as well as rebuilding the national justice system.”
He also called on the UN Security Council to work closely with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the AU Peace and Security Council to mobilise the required support for the JMEC Chairperson, former President Festus Mogae, and the AU High Representative, former President Alpha Konaré.
He added that “the support will generate the incentives and disincentives to change the current dynamics on the ground.
“The South Sudan peace process is extremely fragile and will require concerted and sustained effort at national, regional and international levels.
“Without political leverage generated by concerted international and regional efforts, they will not succeed,” he added.
The security situation in South Sudan, he added, remains precarious, with intermittent fighting witnessed in several areas of the country.”
He stressed the need for unimpeded movement by the UN Mission in the country and humanitarian partners in order to address the worsening humanitarian and human rights situation.
Ladsous noted that the Government of South Sudan has continued to impose restrictions on the movement of the UN Mission there (UNMISS) and humanitarian workers, in violation of the Status of Forces Agreement.
“These restrictions have severely impacted the Mission’s ability to move and protect civilians as well as the UN’s ability to deliver badly needed humanitarian assistance.
“I would urge the Council to send a strong message to both the Government and the opposition on the utmost imperative to grant the Mission and humanitarian partners unimpeded freedom of movement to allow them to implement their respective mandates.”
Ladsous noted that of particular concern are the recent clashes between the SPLA and armed groups in Wau County, Western Bahar El Ghazal, leading to killings, and displacement of civilians.
He said that fighting between SPLA and opposition forces has also been reported in Upper Nile and Unity and in the Equatorias over the past few weeks.
He said that the preliminary investigation into the violence in the UNMISS civilian protection site in Malakal on Feb. 17 and Feb. 18, indicated that at least 25 internally displaced people were killed and more than 140 injured. (NAN)