The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is urging the parties to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to focus on the implementation of the deal, despite hurdles.
On Sunday, the UN Security Council added its voice to the growing global pressure towards the parties to form a unity government on November 12.
Until now, the main sticking points remain the implementation of the security arrangements and a determination of the number of states and their boundaries. The main opposition group, SPLM/A-IO has already voiced concern saying they will not be part of a unity government unless the sticking issues are resolved.
Speaking during the United Nations Day 74th anniversary celebrations in Juba on Thursday, the head of UNMISS David Shearer said the remaining period may not be adequate but urged the parties to keep things moving as far as implementation of the agreement is concerned.
“We know that 100 percent of the pre-transitional tasks will not be met in two weeks, but that does not mean we should give up and sit back. Collectively, together we have the responsibility to maintain momentum so that the transformative process that begins with the signing of the agreement 13 months ago will be fully realized,” he said.
Shearer further noted that much attention has been placed on the formation of the government, rather than the process of implementation.
“For the last few days it’s very much been on the date of November 12 and much less airtime is given to the outstanding issues of the peace agreement,” he added.
The UN official pointed out that the ultimate goal of the agreement is to secure durable peace in South Sudan through the transitional period and subsequently elections.
Shearer called on the principal parties to shun violent means of addressing any grievances.
“It is that opportunity to resolve differences through democratic rather than violent means and give citizens their rights to select their leaders and hold them to account,” he advised.
He reiterated the UN’s support for peace in the country.
The UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.