Civil society organizations in South Sudan are urging the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to renew the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission with a renewed focus on the protection of civilians and support for the country’s electoral process.
The UN Security Council had extended United Nations Missions in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) mandate on April 29, 2024, for one year to help prevent a relapse into civil war and an escalation of violence.
With the mandate set to expire on April 30, the Council is expected to reconvene in the coming days to deliberate on its renewal.
Despite the 2018 peace agreement, the country continues to face numerous challenges, including armed confrontations among signatory parties which has culminated into the recent arrest of opposition members, including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, further cast doubt on the stability of the agreement.
In light of the fragile situation, several civil society voices have stressed the importance of UNMISS’s continued presence and an enhanced role focused on preventing violence and protecting civilians.
“CEPO strongly urges both the government of South Sudan and the United Nations Security Council to renew the UNMISS mandate with a stronger focus on civilian protection and technical political support for the transitional process,” Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) stressed.
He further called for the prioritization of human rights monitoring, safeguarding civic space, and early warning mechanisms to prevent conflict, commending UNMISS for its contribution to violence prevention and the protection of civilians.
“We urge those spreading misinformation, hate, and hostile propaganda about UNMISS to refrain and instead seek accurate information,” he stated while appealing to the government to strengthen cooperation with UNMISS to ensure sustainable peace.
Similarly, Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), called on the Mission to enhance its focus on protecting civilians once the mandate is renewed.
“UNMISS should continue its work of protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid, supporting the peace process, and monitoring human rights violations,” Manyang said.
He stressed the need for the Mission to step up its efforts to prevent a return to war and help South Sudan transition to peace, inclusive governance, and credible elections.
“UNMISS should help South Sudan achieve self-reliance, build durable peace, and empower citizens, especially the youth, through developmental programs focused on enterprise and innovation,” he added.
