The Deputy Special Representative-Political, and Deputy Head of UNMISS, Guang Cong, on Thursday said the Nairobi Peace Talks being mediated by the Government of Kenya between the Government of South Sudan and opposition groups that did not sign the 2018 peace agreement, is encouraging if it leads to peace.
He noted the renewed interest by the transitional government for inclusion by engaging the non-signatory groups and stakeholders under the auspices of the Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi.
“UNMISS has consistently called for dialogue and consensus-based decision-making, as such, this engagement is encouraging in so far as it contributes to peace,” Cong said. “With eight months remaining to the end of the transitional period, it is critical that the parties find a working formula that gives required attention to ensuring complementarity between the Tumaini initiative and the interparty dialogue on the way forward.”
He added: “This is essential to reinvigorate efforts to finalize the transition through elections according to the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
According to Cong, the United Nations will continue to provide technical support, including assisting the National Elections Commission (NEC) with assessing state-level infrastructure and facilities, consultation with key stakeholders on the electoral process, and beginning the process of formation of State High Elections Committees.
“I also welcome the progress made on the development of the electoral security plan. It is essential that the plan is linked to the broader implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangements to ensure that South Sudanese can vote in their first post-independence election in safety and security,” he stated. “This week, UNMISS intensified patrols and engagement with local authorities and security services in Unity state and the Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) after cross-border clashes over the weekend resulted in several deaths, destroyed property, and displaced civilians. The primacy of a secure environment remains central to ensuring a conducive environment for elections-related political competition.”
According to the UNMISS deputy chief, the overall humanitarian and economic conditions in the country are worrying.
“The worsening economic situation has negative implications for the political and security situation, considering the transition now requires financial outlays more than ever,” he said. “On the humanitarian front, an estimated 7.1 million people are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity mostly in locations affected by climate-related shocks, economic crisis, and conflict, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).”
“Meanwhile, only 18.3 percent of the US$1.8 billion required for the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been received as of 23 June,” Cong added.
He underscored that the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only route toward enduring peace in South Sudan.