Top United Nations official in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, called on the government to urgently fulfil outstanding 2018 peace benchmarks so that general elections can be held in December 2026.
Mr. Haysom made the call during a briefing to the UN Security Council today.
The briefing came as South Sudan enters the extended transitional period of its peace process, marking the fourth extension of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Since its independence in 2011, South Sudan has never had an election. Elections were meant to be held in December 2024, but they were postponed to December 2026 after growing warnings that the country was not adequately prepared.
During his briefing, the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) stated that the constitution-making and census timelines do not currently fit into the framework for a December 2026 election, adding that lack of government funding as well as delayed legal and political decisions are slowing down these necessary processes.
“The parties should be under no illusions that there will be resources from the international community to sponsor the implementation of the peace agreement, ending with elections, if there is no evidence of political will to accelerate implementation of the key benchmarks,” said Haysom.
While highlighting important achievements, including commitments to expand political and civic space, enhanced access to justice through mobile courts, progress in operationalizing the National Elections Commission, and election security training, Haysom stated that none of these are sufficient to “move the needle” on the critical decisions required for elections.
Furthermore, Haysom warned that as South Sudan continues to grapple with humanitarian, economic and security challenges, the situation will remain fragile as an electoral period draws nearer.
The top UN official said the mission is continuing to robustly protect civilians, enhance human rights and the rule of law, as well as support the peace process, within its mandate and capacities.
“I affirm that UNMISS stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of South Sudan on their journey from conflict to stabilization and democratization,” he stated.
UNMISS’s operational challenges
Haysom concluded by addressing some logistical and operational challenges faced by UNMISS, including a recent government request for the Mission to vacate part of its headquarters.
While the request was made on short notice, UNMISS is working collaboratively with the South Sudanese government to find a resolution, he said.