The top UN envoy in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, has called on the international community to support the peace process as the country prepares for elections next year.
South Sudan is governed by a transitional government formed under a peace agreement signed in neighbouring Ethiopia.
On 4 August 2022, parties to the peace agreement extended the agreement, postponing general elections until late 2024.
The extension was signed by the parties due to the lack of progress on many provisions of the peace agreement.
Addressing a press conference in Juba on Friday, Nicolas Haysom, the head of the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), warned that gains made in the peace implementation might be lost if the country is not assisted in the peace implementation.
“As I said before, discernible progress in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement presents a real opportunity and a compelling reason for the international community to renew its support and assistance to the people of South Sudan at this critical time in the peace process. And as I repeat frequently to our international visitors, this is not time to forget South Sudan,” he said.
“This violence and fighting, disturbingly characterized by tribal undertones in many areas, is particularly damaging. It poses a real threat to the gains achieved so far and could even derail the peace process. Every one of these conflicts leaves behind a legacy of bitterness and division,” he added.
The UN official noted that they had identified five conflicts that remain challenges for the country.
“We have identified five conflicts or hotspots that require our continuing and continuous attention and that remain as challenges for the country: the Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area; the Upper Nile; the legacy of the conflict in Tambura in Western Equatoria; in Warrap State the conflict between the Twic and Ngok Dinka; and the conflict now being experienced in Central Equatoria as a result of tensions between Bor cattle keepers and host communities, amongst other potential conflicts,” he said.
“We have taken action, and continue to act, to mitigate and reduce the impact of all these conflicts and their long-term effects. We will share with you the steps we are taking by referring only to our actions in Jonglei,” he added.
Haysom revealed that they plan to open a temporary base in the Greater Pibor Administrative area to protect civilians who have been devastated by the recent conflict and also conduct an investigation into violations of the human rights of civilians during the conflict.