Security Council Extends Mandate of UN Mission in South

The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) until April 30, 2026, in a bid to prevent a resurgence of civil war and promote lasting peace in the region. The resolution, adopted with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions, emphasizes the mission’s role in protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid, and supporting the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and Peace Process. The Council has called on all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities and has urged South Sudanese authorities to fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding civilians and organizing free elections.

UNMISS Mandate and Responsibilities

The Security Council’s resolution outlines a comprehensive mandate for UNMISS, focusing on several critical areas. The mission is tasked with protecting civilians, creating conditions for humanitarian assistance, and monitoring human rights violations. It aims to address the significant gaps that hinder the establishment of durable peace in South Sudan. The Council has expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and the slow implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, which is crucial for stabilizing the country. Additionally, the resolution underscores the importance of free and fair elections, placing the onus on South Sudanese authorities to ensure these elections are organized and funded appropriately.

The Council has also reiterated its demand for all conflict parties to immediately halt fighting and has reminded South Sudanese authorities of their primary duty to protect civilians. Furthermore, the resolution calls for the transitional government to comply with its Status of Forces Agreement with the United Nations, ensuring that UNMISS can operate without obstruction. This includes unrestricted access to all its bases, particularly the one located in Tomping, near Juba International Airport.

Concerns Over Civil War and Human Rights Violations

The representative of the United States, who serves as the penholder for this resolution, expressed grave concerns about the potential for South Sudan to descend into a broader civil war. She highlighted the severe impact of ongoing conflicts on civilians, citing instances of aerial bombardments and attacks on hospitals. The detention of First Vice President Riek Machar was also noted as a significant issue that threatens the legitimacy of the transitional government. The U.S. representative criticized the government’s lack of political will to implement the 2018 peace agreement, which complicates UNMISS’s efforts.

The U.S. also pointed out that the transitional government has imposed movement restrictions on UNMISS, making it difficult for the mission to fulfill its mandate. With delays in the electoral process, the representative argued that it is premature to allocate resources for election preparations. The urgency of the situation was emphasized, as the representative called for immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in South Sudan.

South Sudan’s Perspective on the Resolution

While welcoming the renewal of UNMISS’s mandate, South Sudan’s delegate expressed dissatisfaction with the drafting process of the resolution. He noted that the government’s inputs were not adequately reflected in the final text and called for future consultations to be more inclusive and balanced. The delegate emphasized that any support from UNMISS should align with South Sudan’s priorities and development plans.

He also raised concerns about certain provisions in the resolution that extend beyond the mission’s core objectives, such as the protection of diplomatic missions, which he argued is the sovereign responsibility of the host country. The South Sudanese representative insisted that the Status of Forces Agreement signed in 2011 remains valid, regardless of the transitional phase the country is undergoing.

International Reactions and Future Implications

The reactions from other member states varied, with some expressing concerns about the language used in the resolution. China’s delegate, who abstained from the vote, criticized the text for being unbalanced and placing undue pressure on South Sudan. He argued that the international community should adopt a more patient and supportive approach toward the youngest member of the United Nations. Similarly, the Russian Federation’s representative expressed regret over what she perceived as U.S. pressure on the South Sudanese government, suggesting that this could lead to skepticism regarding UN assistance.

Pakistan, a troop contributor to UNMISS, also abstained, citing concerns about the politicization of the text. The representative of Sierra Leone, speaking on behalf of several countries, highlighted the need for updates on the relocation of UNMISS’s Tomping base, which is essential for upgrading Juba International Airport. Despite these concerns, the representative affirmed support for the resolution to advance UNMISS’s efforts in promoting peace and stability in South Sudan, particularly in preparation for the upcoming elections in December 2026.

Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn