The South Sudanese government has complained that renewal of the UN Mission in South Sudan without consultations with the government would violate the country's sovereignty.

In a speech yesterday at the United Nations, Vice President James Wani Igga said the UN mission has played a positive role but warned against renewal of its mandate without consultations.

“I commend the role the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has played during the period leading up to our declaration of independence in 2011 and afterwards. Nonetheless, any renewal of the UNMISS mandate without consultations and consent of our government is not right and unacceptable,” said the vice president.

He added, “It is a well-known fact that matters of this nature are sovereign and due consultation is imperative.” Igga was speeking at the UN General Assembly on Thursday.

In March last year, Igga participated in a rally against the UN Mission at which speakers railed against the mission for allegedly colluding with rebel forces. The rally came shortly before an attack on a UN base by armed youths, which was carried out in the government-held town Bor.

File photo: A South Sudanese government rally against the UN, 2014