South Sudan Information Minister and Government Spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth on Friday said the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) without the consent of the Government of South Sudan.

Addressing the media shortly after the cabinet’s regular meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Makuei said the Security Council has always been renewing the mandate of UNMISS without consultations with or seeking the consent of the government.

“This is something usual, they have been doing it. UNMISS’ mandate has been renewed all these times without our consent and even when we write and say this should not happen, it happens,” he stated. “So, it is not something new and we will continue with our normal processes and that will not stop us from doing anything.”

The Security Council on Thursday unanimously extended the mandate of the UNMISS for 45 days.

According to a statement, the 9575th meeting of the 15-nation organ on 14 March 2024 decided to extend the mandate of UNMISS based on the situation in South Sudan.

“The Security Council, recalling its previous resolutions, statements of its President, and press statements concerning the situation in South Sudan and determining that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, decides to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), as set out in resolution 2677 (2023), until 30 April 2024,” the statement said.

The Security Council also authorized UNMISS to use all necessary means to carry out its tasks.