Nicholas Haysom, the UN Special Representative for South Sudan, criticized the recent extension of the country’s transitional period, calling it regrettable amidst ongoing frustrations from citizens over political paralysis. He urged leaders to unify and prioritize peace implementation, while addressing civil safety amid increasing violence. Haysom outlined essential benchmarks for progress and highlighted urgent humanitarian needs, stressing that significant political actions are necessary during the extended period.
On November 7, 2024, Nicholas Haysom, the United Nations Special Representative for South Sudan, expressed concern over the decision to extend the country’s transitional period, describing it as a regrettable step amidst the ongoing dissatisfaction among the South Sudanese populace. During his address to the Security Council, Haysom highlighted the pervasive frustration and fatigue felt by citizens due to the continued political impasse and the delayed implementation of the peace agreement. He stressed the need for this extension to be the final one, advocating for effective actions that would facilitate the delivery of peace and democracy that the citizens deserve. In his speech, Haysom emphasized the increasing instances of violence as the rainy season comes to a close, signaling an urgent need for a unified response from South Sudan’s leaders. He called upon them to take decisive actions to unify and deploy security forces to effectively safeguard civilians, emphasizing that the preventable loss of lives could only be achieved through joint efforts. Despite ongoing challenges, he acknowledged the logistical support provided by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) towards establishing a unified force and urged continued commitment towards the implementation of the peace agreement. Haysom also delineated essential benchmarks for achieving stability, including progressing with the deployment of unified forces, initiating civic education, and revising critical security legislation. He outlined the humanitarian context, mentioning a surge in conflicts and the impact of external factors such as refugee influx from Sudan, leading to heightened humanitarian needs in South Sudan. As the extended transitional period commences, he urged the political elite to prioritize peace and show a commitment through demonstrable actions, thus capitalizing on the time available to effectuate necessary reforms. Overall, the UN representative’s statements reflect a call for unity and significant political will from South Sudan’s leadership to address vital challenges for the benefit of its citizens. A concerted effort to fulfill the pledges made in the peace agreement is imperative to alleviate the suffering of South Sudanese people and guide the nation towards stability and democracy.
The current prolonged transitional period in South Sudan has been marked by deep-seated frustration and political stagnation. The country has experienced various governance challenges since its independence in 2011, leading to civil wars, human rights abuses, and humanitarian crises. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan aims to establish peace and a transition towards democratic governance. However, repeated delays in implementation have exacerbated tensions and dissatisfaction among the citizens. The recent extension of this transitional period reflects ongoing political struggles and highlights the urgent need for national leaders to recommit to the peace process.
In conclusion, Nicholas Haysom’s statements serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing South Sudan, particularly regarding the frustrations of the citizens due to political inaction and delays in the peace process. The successful utilization of the extended transitional period will depend on the unified efforts of South Sudan’s leadership to prioritize the peace agreement and address the pressing humanitarian needs of the population. Effective measures must be taken to foster stability, civilian protection, and ultimately, a transition toward a democratic and peaceful society.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
