S/PV.10103 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of South Sudan to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations; Mr. George Aggrey Owinow, Interim Chairperson, reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission; and Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2026/58, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in South Sudan. I now give the floor to Mr. Lacroix. Mr. Lacroix: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to address the Security Council following the publication of the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2026/58). Since my last briefing just a month ago, major developments have taken place in South Sudan that require particular attention, given the country's continued fragility. As described in the report, political deadlock among the main signatories to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan continues to drive heightened tensions, manifesting in armed confrontations in many parts of the country. In recent weeks, we have witnessed a sharp escalation of violence, in particular in Jonglei, with clashes between government and opposition forces. Both sides claim to be acting in self-defence, while at the same time preparing for the possibility of large-scale hostilities. The reports of aerial bombardments, inflammatory rhetoric, mass displacement and severe restrictions on humanitarian access observed in Jonglei are of great concern. Communities that remember all too well the violence of 2013 and 2016 are again on the move. More than 280,000 people are displaced by the fighting in Jonglei alone, as per government sources. On 25 January, government forces in Jonglei issued an instruction for the temporary relocation of civilians as well as United Nations and humanitarian personnel from several counties in Jonglei, including from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base in Akobo, citing an anticipated military operation. Two days later, the government spokesperson denied issuing such a directive while reiterating continued cooperation with these partners. We are also concerned by reports of inflammatory public statements attributed to General Johnson Olony Thabo, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) Assistant Chief for Disarmament and Mobilization, although the Government clarified that these do not reflect official policy. Such rhetoric only inflames an already volatile situation and underscores the need for restraint and the protection of civilians. The African Union Peace and Security Council and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have expressed serious concern regarding escalating hostilities. Together, we have also made clear that there is no military solution and that the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only viable framework for peace and stability. It is in this context that we, the United Nations, the African Union and IGAD, have reiterated our position that any changes to the Revitalized Peace Agreement must be undertaken through inclusive and consensual processes. We therefore remain concerned by recent unilateral initiatives to amend the Agreement, including proposals to defer key outstanding tasks, such as the constitution-making process, until after the elections. If pursued, such changes would alter the primacy of the Agreement and its precedence over national legislation. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), as a principal signatory to the Agreement, has indicated that it was not able to participate in these discussions, in the light of the ongoing legal proceedings involving First Vice-President Riek Machar. The party has continued to contest these initiatives and has reiterated its position that its participation in political dialogue is contingent upon Mr. Machar’s release. We take note of regional efforts aimed at revitalizing dialogue, including of the updated Tumaini Initiative, with emphasis on supporting the holding of elections at a key milestone, and the African Union High-level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan proposal for a leadership retreat in Pretoria to bolster much-needed momentum. Concurrently, President Salva Kiir Mayardit has also constituted a national broad- based committee for a 45-day-long consultative process on election-related questions. This, however, excludes the mainstream SPLM/A-IO. While these efforts are welcome, dialogue and consensus-building among all signatories to the Agreement and its stakeholders remain the only viable path to overcoming the current stalemate and ensuring a tangible cessation of hostilities on the ground. Convergence with the existing regional framework will be important to ensure complementarity and effectiveness. South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for humanitarian workers. In 2025, 350 attacks on humanitarian staff and facilities were recorded, up from 255 the previous year. Despite government assurances, partners report persistent access constraints, particularly on opposition-held areas. These constraints are unfolding amid the country’s first cholera outbreak, with more than 98,000 reported cases since the outbreak began in September 2024. The situation is now deteriorating further, with the resurgence of cholera in Jonglei State, where case numbers are steadily increasing. Flight restrictions and blocked movements are preventing medical evacuations and delaying the delivery of life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities at a critical time. In parallel, there are repeated reports of attacks on and looting of health facilities, humanitarian offices, vehicles and other critical assets, further undermining the cholera response and broader humanitarian operations. Large numbers of people are sheltering in open areas or makeshift structures, with limited access to food, healthcare and protection. Violence in Uror and Nyirol forced the closure of 24 nutrition sites, cutting off care for 7,868 children, including 2,633 with severe acute malnutrition, and cutting off care for 2,764 pregnant and breastfeeding women. At least eight health facilities have been affected. Most recently, on 3 February, a hospital in Lankien was struck during an air strike, which destroyed critical medical supplies and injured staff. A health facility in Pieri, Uror County, was looted on the same day, forcing aid workers and community members to flee. These facilities provided essential healthcare for more than 25,000 people. Between 30 January and 1 February, humanitarian barges carrying vital items to assist 73,000 civilians were attacked and looted in Upper Nile State. These incidents raise serious concerns about shrinking humanitarian space at a time when more than 10 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 7.5 million facing food insecurity and more than 1.3 million returnees and refugees from the Sudan. I urge the Council to send a clear, united message: attacks on health facilities, medical personnel and humanitarian staff, infrastructure and assets are unacceptable. The parties must commit to guaranteeing sustained, predictable and safe humanitarian access countrywide. I further urge that humanitarian action is funded in line with the scale of needs through the hyper-prioritized South Sudan humanitarian needs and response plan so that essential life-saving assistance can continue. Against this backdrop, UNMISS is nearing completion of its cost reduction measures, while endeavouring to implement its mandate. The Mission continues to engage political leadership at the national and subnational levels to de-escalate fighting, conduct patrols and maintain a deterrence posture to protect civilians. UNMISS has broadened its engagements with women-led networks, the women’s leagues of the main political parties and civil society women’s platforms to support their participation in political dialogue and governance. In Unity State, when violence in Pakur triggered a spillover of tensions into the Bentiu internally displaced persons camp and SSPDF deployed heavy artillery to the buffer zone, opposite SPLM/A-IO positions, UNMISS intervened swiftly, deploying forces and engaging the parties, helping to de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation and thus saving probably many lives. Amid these rising needs, the cost reduction measures have already resulted in significant operational capacity constraint to delivering fully on mandated tasks. For example, protection patrols have been reduced by up to 40 per cent where force deployment is decreasing and by up to 70 per cent in areas where bases have closed. Long-duration ground patrols have dropped from three or four per month to one or two. Approximately 40 human rights monitoring missions have been cancelled. Areas where bases have closed are seeing increased tensions and clashes. Today the situation in Akobo shows the difficult balance we face. Although the base is scheduled for closure by March under the reduction plan, escalating fighting in Jonglei required the Mission to send reinforcements instead. Members will also have seen reports of the establishment by UNMISS of a temporary operational base in Duk Padiet, north of Bor, in Jonglei State. In a largely opposition-controlled area, our presence is serving as a critical deterrent. Indeed, it has so far helped to prevent potential aerial bombardments in and around the town. For many civilians, Akobo can become an island of relative safety at a moment of acute insecurity, until it is closed. To mitigate these constraints, UNMISS has been adapting, to the extent possible, its operations to prioritize protection, humanitarian facilitation and rapid response efforts. The Mission is recalibrating its operations to leverage available resources to sustain critical engagement, accompany affected communities and institutions and deliver essential services. For example, with major troop and base reductions, the force component will rely more on longer hotspot-focused patrols under tighter planning cycles, requiring deeper integration with civilian sections and field offices, while staying agile to respond to civilian threats. Civil Affairs has expanded reliance on partner non-governmental organizations to maintain situational awareness and sustain the continuity of engagements. The trends we are currently observing are clear. The presence of UNMISS continues to matter a lot. It matters to the people that we protect, it matters to the humanitarian partners we assist, and it matters to the peace process that we actively support and engage in. In the light of the aforementioned, the international community, including the Council, must ensure that the South Sudanese political actors step back from this dangerous precipice, return to dialogue and seek consensus on the way forward. The renewed momentum that we are seeing in the region and the efforts by the African Union, IGAD and South Sudan’s neighbours are laudable and require our support and require the united support of the Security Council at this critical juncture. A coordinated, strong approach by the international community will help to ensure the integrity and supremacy of the Revitalized Agreement and will eventually lead to the long-overdue and successful implementation of its security arrangements and the holding of free, fair and inclusive national elections. Let me be clear: without consensus and the participation of all those who have placed their hopes in this peace process — in all corners and all 10 States of the country — any election is likely not to be credible and is therefore worthy of our support. The Secretary-General’s critical mass of necessary conditions for peaceful and credible elections, as agreed with the African Union and IGAD, remains valid. In closing, allow me also to reinforce the importance of a peacekeeping Mission that continues to be fully operational and robust amid all these very challenging and difficult circumstances. The continued support of the Council for UNMISS enables the Mission to continue to address the challenges that I just described.

I thank Mr. Lacroix for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Owinow. Mr. Owinow: May I begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I would also like to convey my thanks for inviting the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R- JMEC) to address the Council. The R-JMEC is the official oversight body responsible for monitoring and evaluating the status of the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, and it is mandated under Article 7, paragraph 10, of the Revitalized Agreement to submit status of implementation reports quarterly, followed by detailed briefings to, among others, the Security Council. My report today builds on my previous briefing to the Council (see S/PV.9980), delivered on 18 August 2025, when I provided an update on the substantial deterioration in the political and security situation in the Republic of South Sudan and on R-JMEC’s latest quarterly report covering the period 1 October 2025 to 31 December 2025. Since my previous briefing, the political and security situation in the Republic of South Sudan has continued to deteriorate, placing the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement in serious jeopardy. Politically, the responsibility-sharing arrangements of the peace agreement continue to be eroded through the withdrawal and replacement of opposition representatives from different portfolios of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity executive and legislature at the national and State levels. In addition, His Excellency Mr. Riek Machar, First Vice- President and Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), remains confined and on trial, together with other SPLM/A-IO officials. Meanwhile, some decisions continue to be made within the Transitional Government without the consensus of all signatories to the Agreement as required by the Revitalized Agreement. On the security situation, the permanent ceasefire has been severely violated since March 2025. The clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) and SPLM/A-IO show no signs of abating, as evidenced by the ongoing military offensive in Upper Nile and Jonglei States and repeated clashes reported in different parts of the greater Equatoria region. According to reports from Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, military confrontations between the SSPDF and the SPLM/A-IO and allied forces have occurred in 6 of the 10 States and 3 administrative areas, triggering a new wave of civilian displacement and humanitarian hardships. In December 2025 alone, the Mechanism reported or documented 76 alleged ceasefire violations, 21 incidents of hostilities and 25 incidents of violence against civilians and humanitarian actors. Those numbers further increased in January to 87 alleged ceasefire violations. A total of 10 of those incidents were reported hostilities between the signatory parties, and 26 were incidents of violence against civilians and humanitarian actors. Amid the ongoing ceasefire violations, the Mechanism itself faces serious financial and operational challenges affecting its capability to verify all the alleged violations. In recent years, the reporting and especially the investigative capacity has been critically reduced, owing to continuous cuts in donor support. As we are approaching the elections scheduled for December, it is highly regrettable that the Mechanism is severely confined by this financial stress. Despite the continuous appeal for de-escalation, ceasefire, political dialogue and adherence to the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement, repeated actions to the contrary have seriously undermined confidence in the peace process and risk returning the country back to war. With time fast running out, any further deterioration of the security situation, coupled with a failure by the transitional Government to urgently address the political stalemate and commence genuine and inclusive dialogue on a viable way forward, including on the conduct of elections and a peaceful end to the transitional period, poses a great risk to the peace agreement. In view of the foregoing, the R-JMEC recommends to the Council the following urgent actions to restore the sanctity of the Revitalized Agreement and to encourage a return to its full implementation. The Council should prevail upon the parties to the Agreement to cease all hostilities, embrace genuine dialogue that is inclusive of all parties and reactivate the mechanisms for the implementation of the Agreement. The parties should also be called upon to immediately restore and respect the permanent ceasefire and to embark on the full reunification and professionalization of security forces under a single non-partisan command. The Council should urge the leadership in Juba to preserve peace, promote reconciliation, resolve political disagreements through dialogue and address disputes through the mechanisms of the Revitalized Agreement. Moreover, the Council should assist the Transitional Government with resolving the current political and security impasse and finding a political solution to the issue of the First Vice-President and all political detainees in order to pave the way for meaningful dialogue towards a peaceful end to the transitional period. The Council should call upon the Transitional Government to reconstitute itself as per the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement, particularly by restoring SPLM/A-IO portfolios, and to move with urgency to implement the Revitalized Agreement in letter and spirit and adhere strictly to its provisions, including upholding its supremacy. Lastly, the Council should remain seized of the situation in the Republic of South Sudan. In conclusion, I would like to appeal to the Council to use its good offices to support the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. To date, the Revitalized Agreement has delivered significant peace dividends, which should be consolidated, and it remains the only viable available pathway to building an enduring peace in South Sudan.

I thank Mr. Owinow for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Yakani. Mr. Yakani: Allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Council, and I thank you for inviting me to brief the Council. Civil society is calling for the Council’s attention and seek its urgent support to address the unjustified situation in South Sudan. Following the outbreak of the violence in Nasir county in March 2025, the situation has been getting worse. In the areas that are witnessing the renewed conflict between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), the safety and protection of civilians are at risk. Of course, we observed series of attacks on humanitarian workers and properties, mainly in the areas that are witnessing armed violence. The renewed armed violence between the SSPDF and the SPLM/A-IO following the Nasir incident undermined what little political stability had been observed prior to that large-scale armed violence. This undermines the Government’s call for the holding of national general elections in December. We are concerned that the recently renewed armed violence may return the country to war if the parties fail to embrace inclusive dialogue to resolve the political stalemates that they are facing now. Coordinated regional and international political pressure must be maintained and increased now. To that end, we urge the Council to do the following. First, the Council should demand immediate compliance with the ceasefire, the resumption of inclusive political dialogue and the release of political detainees. Secondly, the Council should support the enforcement of the recent communiqué of 23 January adopted by the African Union Peace and Security Council at its 1,326 meeting, which was held in Addis Ababa. Thirdly, the Council should reaffirm the need for a swift and coordinated implementation of the pending tasks set forth in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan with the full participation of the rightful signatories to the Revitalized Agreement and all stakeholders. Unrestricted access must be granted to humanitarian actors. That must include the protection of humanitarian workers and properties. The Council should ensure that the South Sudanese parties agree upon suitable conditions for the conduct of the elections scheduled for December. The Council should ensure that the South Sudanese parties undertake serious action for inclusive dialogue, such as the Tumaini Initiative and the intervention by South Sudanese women mediators. The Council should demand that the leaders of South Sudanese parties and their supporters abstain from any form of hate speech and hateful sentiment. Despite the many shortcomings in the South Sudan peace process, in the past, coordinated regional and international pressure has commendably led to a regular decrease in fighting among the warring parties. This coordinated pressure is required now for the protection of civilians, like in the ongoing violence in Jonglei and Upper Nile States and other parts of the country. It is essential to create suitable and agreed- upon conditions for the conduct of the election as scheduled, in December. We observe the violation of the ceasefire, and we demand that, at the very least, the parties agree to resume inclusive dialogue without any preconditions among the rightful signatories of the Revitalized Agreement. Nevertheless, there are continuous, well-documented violations of the ceasefire and the peace agreement, all of which have affected the momentum of peace efforts. Deciding not to pressure the South Sudanese parties allows them to continue acting with impunity. Following the multiple extensions of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, we would have expected the warring parties to be able to set aside their differences and embark on a new path to put the country and the citizens on the road to realizing peace and stability. But we are now witnessing the unnecessary suffering of our citizens, following the crisis in Jonglei and Upper Nile States. The big question is: until when? Since 2013, the country has been in a war that has resulted in the killing of 400,000 people and that has forced millions of people to become displaced and to face severe food insecurity, famine conditions and the displacement of their communities. We have witnessed sexual violence. We have witnessed arbitrary detention and the silencing of civil society activists and peace activists. The recent report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, published in January 2026, has clearly shown that peace and stability in South Sudan will be facing a threat as long as the country’s Government and opposition leaders act with impunity. The high deficit in trust and confidence among the political elites demonstrate that the majority of them are not acting in the best interests of the citizens of South Sudan; rather, they are acting in a manner that indicates that they want to sustain their influence and dominance in power, allowing them to profiteer from the suffering of the citizens. Recent reports of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, as the Interim Chairperson shared with Council members, show that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is facing numerous challenges, and this is jeopardizing faith in the political transition in South Sudan. There must be consistent pressure from the region and the international community to demonstrate that peace is the only option to go forward. The Security Council mandate is purpose built to address the situation currently facing South Sudan. By undertaking concrete and practical actions to ensure lasting peace and stability in South Sudan, the Council will show to the South Sudanese citizens that it stands with the people of South Sudan, as we have seen in the past, and especially following the situation in Jonglei and Upper Nile States. It is a primary responsibility of our political elites to make peace and stability happen in South Sudan. However, unfortunately, they decided to be warmongers. Therefore, we urge the Council to send a clear message to South Sudan’s Government and opposition leaders that they will be held accountable for any further violation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and for manipulation of any inclusive dialogue. Finally, we in civil society appreciate the role of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which has been working with us in widening the civic and political space, in addition to its protection of civilians. We hope that this partnership between UNMISS and civil society will continue. Lastly, we urgently call for greater detail in the reports of the United Nations Secretary-General to the Council.

I thank Mr. Yakani for his briefing. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank you, Mr. President, and I thank our briefers today. The United States’ first priority in South Sudan is peace. However, South Sudan’s leaders have systematically undermined this goal since their independence in 2011. They have repeatedly pushed the country back to the brink of war. Military operations across greater Equatoria and the Greater Upper Nile network provide stark evidence of South Sudan’s wilful actions to move further from peace and stability. Violence across these two regions has resulted in the displacement of thousands of civilians, forced aid organizations to suspend their operations and caused the immediate evacuation of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) personnel. These actions directly obstruct UNMISS’ ability to protect civilians and catastrophically worsen a dire humanitarian emergency. We strongly condemn South Sudan’s leaders’ actions and urge all parties to immediately cease offensive military operations, withdraw all forces and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations. We are also concerned by the transitional Government’s repeated unilateral amendments to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Any revisions to the Agreement must be achieved through transparent, inclusive dialogue involving all signatories, rather than through unilateral action. The United States takes note of the United Nations’ 3 February white note on South Sudan’s progress on UNMISS contingency plans. However, we urge Council members to continue pressuring the transitional Government to lift all remaining impediments to UNMISS operations. We condemn the host country Government’s interference, which has imposed unnecessary costs on UNMISS. These financial burdens, paid for by this international community, cannot go unaddressed. South Sudan must be held financially accountable for these costs. President Trump has made clear that American engagement requires genuine partnership, not exploitation of our goodwill and resources. South Sudanese officials continue to fail to uphold basic commitments under the Status of Forces Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan concerning the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and demand to close critical bases in Wau and Bentiu. Our position is unequivocal. Any further non-cooperation by South Sudan will constitute a threat to the Mission’s viability. This will be a decisive factor in our future decisions regarding assistance, diplomatic engagement and the Mission’s future.

First of all, I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Mr. Aggrey Owinow and Mr. Edmund Yakani for their briefings. South Sudan gained independence almost 15 years ago. Since then, despite support from the United Nations, the transition to a stable and democratic Government has yet to materialize. Today, a combination of political, security, humanitarian and economic crises, exacerbated by the war in the neighbouring Sudan, threatens the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and risks plunging the country back into widespread violence. In this context, I would like to emphasize three points. First, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan plays an essential role in preserving the country’s stability and protecting civilians. It must be able to fully implement its mandate. We call on the South Sudanese authorities to cooperate with the Mission and to fulfil their obligations under the Status of Forces Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan concerning the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. The repeated obstruction of the movement of contingents is unacceptable. Furthermore, France commends the work carried out by the Secretariat to design and implement the contingency plan made necessary by the liquidity crisis. Difficult choices had to be made to ensure priorities in terms of protecting civilians and taking into account the needs of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei. This illustrates the exemplary adaptability of peacekeeping operations. Secondly, the security situation has deteriorated since our last meeting (see S/PV.10092), particularly in Jonglei. The war in the neighbouring Sudan and the presence of external actors are exacerbating the situation. France calls on all Member States to respect the arms embargoes in South Sudan and Darfur. Furthermore, we condemn the violent and sometimes racist rhetoric that has been heard in recent weeks and call on the South Sudanese authorities to take the necessary measures to defuse the situation. We are concerned about the serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as the increase in the number of civilian casualties, including those caused by aerial bombardments. France calls on the South Sudanese authorities and all parties to ensure safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the territory and to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel and infrastructure. Thirdly, the political situation in South Sudan is highly precarious, with elections scheduled, in principle, for the end of the year. France calls on all political actors in the country to respect the letter and spirit of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The house arrest and trial of First Vice-President Riek Machar are cause for concern in this regard and are fuelling tensions. France supports the African Union’s calls for his release. Priority must be given to concrete progress that will enable elections to be held in due form. The Government must give priority to drafting a Constitution and conducting a population census, by mobilizing the necessary resources. France commends the involvement of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in South Sudan. We stand ready to support regional and international efforts to help the country break out of its current situation, on the understanding that only the South Sudanese themselves can arrive at a solution.

I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and Chairperson Owinow for their briefings. I listened attentively to Mr. Yakani’s statement. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan at today’s meeting. The current situation in South Sudan remains unstable, marked by deteriorating internal security and an increasingly dire humanitarian situation. As the Secretary- General’s report (S/2026/58) notes, South Sudan’s political process is at a critical juncture. To realize the shared aspirations of the South Sudanese people for peace and development, China calls on all parties to uphold four do’s and four don’ts. First, we must pursue stability, not conflict. In recent months, violence has repeatedly erupted in Jonglei state, Upper Nile state and other areas, causing civilian casualties and displacement, with multiple hospitals and humanitarian agencies coming under attack. China urges all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement; halt hostilities; prevent further escalation; strengthen the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers; and effectively fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law. We support the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Government of South Sudan continuing efforts to promote intercommunal dialogue and safeguard civilian security. Secondly, we must seek unity, not division. With one year remaining in the transitional period, we support all political forces in South Sudan in prioritizing the overall interests of the nation and its people, resolving differences through inclusive dialogue, avoiding actions that could lead to division and honouring and implementing all provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan so that the country’s future can be forged in a spirit of unity. General elections are the internal affairs of South Sudan. China supports the ownership of the South Sudanese Government and its people and looks forward to smooth progress in election preparations. Thirdly, we must encourage reconciliation, not exert pressure. China welcomes the efforts of the African Union (AU), its High-level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and others to ease differences among South Sudanese parties and advance the peace process. We promote African solutions to African problems and support safeguarding South Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. With the AU summit approaching, many African countries are actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy. The Security Council, for its part, should exercise the necessary patience, give regional mediation sufficient time and space and eschew inappropriate external pressure. Fourthly, we must provide assistance, not cut off support. The spillover effects of the conflict in the Sudan have undermined South Sudan’s fiscal revenues and border security. Coupled with refugee inflows, widespread flooding and disease outbreaks, South Sudan’s economic and humanitarian situation remains under severe strain. Cutting off assistance or imposing unilateral sanctions at this very moment would only make matters worse, ultimately hurting ordinary people. On the contrary, the international community should increase its support to help South Sudan improve livelihoods, address humanitarian challenges and achieve economic diversification and sustainability. China welcomes the positive steps taken by the Government of South Sudan and supports UNMISS in essentially completing its contingency drawdown plan. We encourage both sides to continue friendly consultations in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding so as to properly address difficulties that may arise in future cooperation. UNMISS has played an irreplaceable role in maintaining peace and stability in South Sudan. The large-scale drawdown has already posed serious challenges to its mandate implementation, and the Mission’s role must not be further weakened. As a major troop-contributing country to UNMISS, China will, as always, continue to support the Mission in fulfilling its mandate. Chinese peacekeepers will continue to demonstrate exemplary conduct and uphold their sacred mission. China stands ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in helping South Sudan achieve lasting peace and sustainable development at an early date.

I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and our briefers for their remarks. South Sudan is on the brink of collapse. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is under direct threat by the transitional leadership, while the people of South Sudan face growing human rights violations, displacement and violence. Statements and direct incitements to violence against civilians risk further adding fuel to this fire. Without direct action, there is — as we heard from our briefers — a real possibility of all-out war and disastrous consequences for regional peace and security. An immediate cessation of hostilities and a decisive return to the full implementation of the peace agreement, has never been more critical. This remains the key framework. It confers legitimacy on the transitional Government, while providing the only viable road map to peace. Regrettably, this agreement has been gradually and consistently hollowed out by unilateral amendments, with which we strongly disagree. We reject the transitional Government ‘s trajectory of consolidating power and marginalizing the opposition. There is an urgent need for a genuine national inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders. It is time to demonstrate real commitment to a democratic transition that serves the people of South Sudan, not its political elites. We also remain deeply concerned about the detention and trial of First Vice-President Machar and other opposition figures. We call for strict adherence to due process and to the provision of transparent and credible evidence. Further, Denmark supports the efforts of the African Union High-level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, while calling for strong alignment between all existing initiatives. The humanitarian situation has sharply deteriorated. Jonglei has become a flashpoint for fighting, triggering mass displacement and civilian suffering. Denmark condemns the continued restrictions on humanitarian access imposed by the transitional Government in parts of opposition-held areas. Civilians must never be used as leverage in a political rivalry. We are further appalled by continued attacks and intimidation against humanitarians in South Sudan. This includes repeated attacks on a World Food Programme convoy in Upper Nile state, which led to the suspension of food aid. Furthermore, just last week, a Médecins sans frontières hospital in Jonglei, serving more than 250,000 people, was targeted in an air strike which destroyed a warehouse containing medical supplies. Such attacks seriously undermine the protection of medical personnel in armed conflict and should be condemned by the Council, as mentioned by Under-Secretary-General Lacroix. At the same time, the human rights situation characterized by, inter alia, alarming levels of conflict-related sexual violence, remains deeply troubling. All parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times. In this time of insecurity, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) offers stability, protection and support for the most vulnerable. Denmark fully supports the Mission and reiterates that it must be enabled to operate and resourced to fully deliver on its mandate, especially with regard to the protection of civilians. Continued violations of the status-of-forces agreement by the transitional Government, run directly counter to this mandate. We condemn the killing of an UNMISS staff member in Wau in December 2025. The safety and security of United Nations personnel must be guaranteed in accordance with international law. In closing, as we face the real risk of widespread conflict in South Sudan, we believe that it is incumbent on the Council to speak out forcefully and in one voice to demand an end to the violence and to insist that the peace agreement be upheld. Ultimately the power to change course rests with the South Sudanese leaders. We call on them to act now, to commit to peace and to respect the dignity, well-being and fundamental rights of all the people of South Sudan.

I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the African members of the United Nations Security Council (A3), namely Liberia, Somalia and my own country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Mr. George Aggrey Owinow and Mr. Edmund Yakani for their pertinent briefings. We welcome the participation of the representative of South Sudan in today’s meeting. The A3 welcomes the engagement of the Government of South Sudan with its regional and international partners. However, we are concerned that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan finds itself at a critical juncture owing to persistent political and security violations. We remain particularly alarmed by the continued detention and trial of First Vice- President Riek Machar and other leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement- Army in Opposition. This development, coupled with unilateral political reshuffling, risks undermining the progress of the transitional Government and the prospects for peaceful and credible elections. We reiterate our call for their immediate release and urge all parties to resume an inclusive political dialogue. Regarding the electoral process, South Sudan is at a decisive moment. We take note of the presidency’s proposal to amend the Revitalized Agreement in order to separate the December 2026 elections from the permanent Constitution and the national census. The A3 underscores that any such amendment must be achieved by inclusive consensus among all signatories. We urge the international community to support the National Elections Commission and call on the Government to ensure that the political will and necessary resources are given to its institutions. On the security front, the A3 is alarmed by the resurgence of violence in greater Upper Nile, greater Equatoria and greater Bahr el-Ghazal. The aerial bombardments and intercommunal clashes reported have claimed many lives and caused mass displacement. We urge all armed actors to respect the permanent ceasefire and to prioritize civilians’ safety. Furthermore, we call for the urgent implementation of transitional security arrangements, including the full deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces. The A3 strongly condemns the killing of a United Nations national staff member in Wau, who was assaulted and forcibly detained by security agents while carrying out his duties. We call for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into this heinous act and reiterate our call for unhindered freedom of movement and protection for all United Nations personnel in South Sudan. Regarding the humanitarian and economic situation, the A3 is deeply concerned about the deteriorating conditions. More than 10 million people — two thirds of the population — are now in need of assistance owing to the conflict, severe flooding and the influx of returnees from the Sudan. We are concerned about the 58 per cent funding gap for the 2025 humanitarian response plan and urge international partners to increase their support. In this context, the A3 affirms that the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) plays an indispensable role in South Sudan, particularly in protecting civilians and supporting the political process. We also welcome the Government’s constructive cooperation with UNMISS in implementing the Mission’s contingency plan. We express our concern about the impact of recent spending cuts on the Mission’s operational capacity, including limitations imposed on patrols and political engagement. We therefore emphasize the urgent need for sustainable, predictable and adequate funding for both UNMISS and humanitarian operations. In conclusion, the A3 emphasizes that an African-led approach, based on partnership and respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of South Sudan, offers the most sustainable path to peace. We welcome the continued engagement of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and Kenya in the context of the Tumaini Initiative. We urge all South Sudanese stakeholders to remain committed to the Revitalized Agreement and to work together to ensure a stable and democratic future for their people.

I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Mr. Owinow and Mr. Yakani for their informative briefings. A little over a decade ago, civil war in South Sudan unleashed mass death and displacement. Hundreds of thousands were killed, and millions were displaced and fled to neighbouring States. Today we are seeing dangerous echoes of the past. Violence is on the rise in Jonglei, Upper Nile and other parts of the country, and civilians are again the ones paying the price. The situation is a tinderbox. In such conditions, even one word can become a spark. Any inflammatory rhetoric that normalizes harm to civilians is unacceptable and must be addressed. Let me highlight three points. First, the priority now is de-escalation and a return to the full implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. This requires constructive engagement by both the Government and the opposition, as well as maximum restraint, especially in areas where risks to civilians are the highest. We note with concern the unilateral proposals to amend the revitalized peace agreement, including the deferral of key commitments. Any changes should be pursued only through inclusive dialogue among the signatories. De- escalation must translate into protection on the ground. Reports of sexual violence, arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings are deeply alarming as they may amount to crimes against humanity. All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable. Humanitarian access throughout the country must be safe, rapid and unimpeded. Attacks on hospitals, health facilities and humanitarian offices, as well as on aid convoys and ambulances, are unacceptable. They deprive civilians of life-saving assistance when it is needed most. Secondly, Latvia extends its full support to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The Mission remains essential, and its protection presence saves lives. Latvia considers the UNMISS bases in Wau and Bentiu indispensable. They are critical for mandate implementation, including the protection of civilians and for continued support to United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei operations. We take note of the recent progress in implementing UNMISS’s contingency plan. At the same time, continued engagement by the Government of South Sudan with UNMISS is needed to preserve the Mission’s operational footprint and enable effective mandate implementation. This includes ensuring unrestricted freedom of movement and avoiding any impediment to UNMISS’s operations. Thirdly, the region’s voice and involvement are most crucial. Regional actors have unique leverage to help prevent further escalation. The region also understands better than anyone the wider consequences of continued violence. We welcome and encourage the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, alongside the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and neighbouring States, playing an active and unifying role in supporting de-escalation and the full implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations; Mr. George Aggrey Owinow, Interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission; and Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization for their comprehensive briefings. I would also like to welcome Her Excellency the representative of South Sudan, who is participating in today’s meeting. The Kingdom of Bahrain shares the international community’s concern about the deterioration of the security, political and humanitarian situation in the Republic of South Sudan, particularly amid the continuing violence and repeated violations, especially in Equatoria, Unity and Jonglei States. Also concerning are the recent attacks targeting relief convoys and humanitarian and health facilities and the spillover of regional tensions, which directly endanger the lives of civilians and humanitarian and relief workers and undermine the ability of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to carry out its mandate, given the continued violations and restrictions on its movements and the financial and operational challenges faced by the Mission. In this regard, I would like to address the following points. First, the Kingdom of Bahrain urges all parties concerned to commit to the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. It emphasizes the importance of sincere political will to engage in a comprehensive and constructive national dialogue aimed at promoting national reconciliation, building trust and consolidating consensus, thereby supporting the completion of the remaining tasks in the political transition phase stipulated in the Agreement. This would preserve the gains achieved to date and pave the way for comprehensive and fair elections in 2026 that meet the South Sudanese people’s aspirations to stability and prosperity, thereby ensuring the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Secondly, the Kingdom of Bahrain expresses its deep concern about the contents of the recent reports by the Secretary-General (S/2026/58) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The reports indicate that approximately 10 million people, or two thirds of the population of South Sudan, are in need of humanitarian assistance. This includes more than 600,000 refugees, in addition to the influx of more than 1,000 displaced persons as a result of the escalation of violence and competition for limited resources. We therefore call for concerted efforts to support the urgent and coordinated delivery of humanitarian aid in response to the growing humanitarian needs. Thirdly, the Kingdom of Bahrain urges the relevant national authorities, in coordination with regional and international partners, to support efforts to adopt comprehensive measures that address the root causes driving young people to take up arms and become involved in armed conflict, and to curb this phenomenon by intensifying initiatives aimed at building their capacities, promoting their integration into society and ensuring their effective participation in peace processes. Fourthly, the Kingdom of Bahrain values the role of regional mechanisms in supporting South Sudan’s national peace process and institution-building, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development mechanism, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism and the ongoing efforts led by the African Union. Those efforts include the African Union High-level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan and the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. We therefore join the call by those entities for an immediate cessation of violence, the resumption of dialogue and the protection of civilians. We also call for concerted local, regional and international efforts to enhance cooperation in order to achieve peace, security and stability in South Sudan and the wider region.

I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and our briefers, Mr. George Aggrey Owinow and Mr. Edmund Yakani, for their insightful updates. We share the deep concern about the continued escalation of violence, the sharp deterioration of the security situation and the grave humanitarian consequences in the country. We are particularly alarmed by the reported displacement of more than 180,000 civilians following renewed violence in Jonglei, and by the Government’s report that 250,000 people were displaced in the first weeks of 2026. Allow me to underline three points. First, we remain deeply concerned about the continued erosion of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, which remains the cornerstone of South Sudan’s transitional framework. Unilateral political actions, repeated reshuffles and the undermining of agreed power- sharing arrangements have significantly weakened the spirit of inclusivity and consensus on which the Agreement is based. In this context, we note with concern the December 2025 attempts to amend the political framework in a manner that separates elections from the completion of a permanent constitution. We therefore reiterate that the Revitalized Agreement, in its entirety, remains the only viable road map for sustainable peace and stability in South Sudan and provides the appropriate framework for the elections planned for December, and we call for an inclusive dialogue to this end. Secondly, Greece is alarmed by the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation across large parts of the country. Continued hostilities between government forces, opposition elements and other armed groups have resulted in increasing civilian casualties, displacement and restricted humanitarian access, particularly in greater Upper Nile and greater Equatoria. We condemn in the strongest possible terms attacks against civilians, humanitarian workers and United Nations personnel and persistent violations of the status-of-forces agreement. Furthermore, we are gravely concerned about serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. We particularly condemn the high number of violations against children, including their recruitment and use, abductions, attacks against schools and hospitals, and rape and other forms of sexual violence. Any violations and abuses against children are entirely unacceptable. We call on all parties to end and prevent them immediately, to hold those responsible to account and to ensure the safety and well-being of affected children. Thirdly, Greece reaffirms its strong support for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and its mandate, in particular its vital role in protecting civilians, supporting the peace process and facilitating humanitarian access. In this regard, we underscore the importance of full cooperation between the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity and UNMISS, in line with the status-of- forces agreement. Constructive engagement is also essential to mitigate the impact of the financial crisis affecting peacekeeping operations and to preserve the Mission’s operational effectiveness. In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge the continued engagement of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and regional partners and to underscore that close coordination between regional and international actors remains essential to sustainable peace in South Sudan. We call on South Sudanese leaders to demonstrate political will, recommit to dialogue and place the interests and well-being of the South Sudanese people at the centre of their decisions.

We appreciate the briefings by Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Mr. George Aggrey Owinow, Interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, and Mr. Edmund Yakani, representing civil society. We also acknowledge the presence of the representative of South Sudan at this meeting. We listened carefully to the briefers’ assessments of the situation in the country, which confirm the gravity of the moment that South Sudan is facing. As noted in the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2026/58), South Sudan is at a critical juncture. Panama expresses its deep concern at the alarming escalation of violence in South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei and Upper Nile States, which has exacerbated an ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting more than two thirds of the population, who are living amid forced displacement, persistent attacks and sexual and gender-based violence. Panama strongly condemns these acts and urges all parties to cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law and ensure safe and sustained access for humanitarian assistance. Repeated hostilities not only erode existing political commitments, but they also have immediate and profound humanitarian consequences. On the other hand, we note with concern the prolonged stagnation in the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, which raises serious doubts about the political situation in the country and the political will of its Government. Furthermore, recent unilateral attempts to modify fundamental provisions of the Revitalized Peace Agreement could weaken the Agreement and trust among the parties, thereby increasing the risks of instability. We agree with the Secretary- General that any adjustments to the transitional framework must emerge from dialogue and consensus among all signatories and enjoy broad national support. Panama considers that the interrelationship between insecurity, humanitarian crisis and governance deficits is obvious and requires an immediate comprehensive response. In this context, we echo the recent statement by the African Union Peace and Security Council, which emphasizes the need for sustained commitment by the African Union and the United Nations to preserve an extremely fragile peace process. Panama agrees that the parties must prioritize the interests of the people of South Sudan, refrain from unilateral actions or any form of violent escalation and resume genuine dialogue that will allow for the full reactivation of the mechanisms of the Revitalized Agreement and respect for the permanent cessation of hostilities. Panama reiterates its support for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and the essential work carried out by its civilian, military and police personnel, who work in increasingly complex and demanding conditions. The Council has consistently recognized the stabilizing role of the Mission, particularly in a context marked by violence, institutional fragility and a serious humanitarian crisis. At the same time, we cannot fail to express our concern that, in practice, the adjustments resulting from the contingency plan, in a context of severe budgetary constraints, may translate into a reduction in the Mission’s operational capacity, with direct implications for its ability to fulfil its protection of civilians mandate. We have listened to, considered and sympathize with the calls for support made to the Council by Under-Secretary Lacroix, Mr. Owinow and Mr. Yakani for humanitarian assistance, the protection of civilians and the peace process; a process that must support the Mission and that is unfolding, worrisomely, amid critical situations and violations of the Peace Agreement that threaten healthy political development, the Mission’s operations and peace itself. Panama considers it essential that the mandate conferred by the Council on the Mission continue to be fully implemented. In the current context, only collective, responsible action, aimed at full compliance with the Revitalized Agreement, will prevent further escalation of the conflict and respond to the legitimate aspirations of the South Sudanese people for peace, security and dignity.

We are grateful to the Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Mr. George Owinow, and civil society representative Edmund Yakani for their briefings. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan, Ms. Cecilia Adeng. The situation in South Sudan is presently fraught with tension. Clashes between Government troops and opposition supporters are ongoing, engulfing more and more states in the country. Military hostilities are resulting in growing numbers of casualties, including civilian casualties. We believe that there is no military solution to this conflict. As a result, the efforts of the African Union to achieve a peaceful resolution to the current military and political crisis in South Sudan are particularly important. We highly value the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development mediation efforts, as well as those of individual African leaders. We note with satisfaction the outcomes of the meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, held on 23 January, which emphasized that there is no alternative to arriving at peaceful solutions on the basis of the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. We hope that the Government of South Sudan and the opposition, with the assistance of the countries of the continent, will demonstrate political wisdom, will be capable of averting a further escalation of armed confrontation and will revert to the rationale of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, including the formation of unified armed forces as a guarantee of progress in the peace process. We firmly believe that the timeline for this process should be left to the discretion of Juba because hasty actions, including political measures, are liable to unleash a new wave of internal violence. We have taken note of the decision in December of the South Sudanese political parties not to extend the transitional period, and of their embrace of the holding in December of nationwide elections on the basis of the transitional Constitution of the country and the existing voter rolls. We believe that the Revitalized Peace Agreement, as the sole framework for the advancement of the political process, remains fully relevant and in force. We believe that this decision, if approved definitively, will only constitute a recalibration of the priorities, not an abandonment of the Agreement itself. Only the South Sudanese can determine how to put together stable government bodies. At the same time, it is important to deliver assistance to the country in order to remove any risk of the situation escalating in the lead-up to the elections. We are very much concerned by the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, which has been escalated by seasonal disasters as well as the influx from the neighbouring Sudan of hundreds of thousands of refugees and South Sudanese returning to their homes. The activities of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) are a key component in the country’s progress towards peace. We trust that, despite the existing financial difficulties, it will continue to support and facilitate the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. We strongly condemn any acts of violence targeting Blue Helmets, humanitarian representatives and civil society and civilians. We believe it is important for the United Nations Secretariat and the Mission itself to remain engaged in direct and frank dialogue with the South Sudanese Government through talks focused on modalities to reduce the United Nations presence in the country. We hope that such constructive discussions will enable agreement on mutually acceptable solutions concerning problematic issues, including further use by UNMISS of the Wau and Bentiu bases. It is important that the South Sudanese stay open to cooperation with the Mission and not focus on its exit. The Russian Federation stands ready to encourage and facilitate Juba’s approach. Unnecessary alarmism and escalation of tensions on the topic of reducing the United Nations presence should be ruled out. Otherwise, there is a significant risk of definitively poisoning Juba’s relationship with UNMISS. The tense situation in the Republic of South Sudan poses a grave threat to the entire subregion, creating fertile ground for large-scale destabilization given the porosity of borders, which facilitates the spillover of fighters and the growth of illegal trafficking of weapons. We are troubled by reports about the possible use of the territory of neighbouring States to fuel the conflict in the Sudan. We have consistently noted the perniciousness of the arms embargo against South Sudan. This regime, whose revision or easing has been promoted by, inter alia, representatives of the African continent, is the chief obstacle to constituting and equipping a unified army. Clearly, the existing exemptions are not enough to solve the large-scale task of strengthening national security. We shall continue to advocate the easing and complete dismantling of the arms embargo regime.

I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Mr. Owinow and Mr. Yakani for their briefings. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan in this meeting. Pakistan shares the concerns expressed around the table regarding the volatility of the political and security situation in South Sudan. Recent developments underscore how fragile the peace remains and how severe the risks are for the country to relapse into widespread conflict. At this critical juncture, it is imperative to prevent another descent into violence. The cost of failure would be borne, first and foremost, by the South Sudanese people and would have profound regional consequences. It is therefore time for more and deeper engagement, not distancing or abandonment. In the overall context, the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan remains paramount. It is the only viable and consensual framework capable of preventing fragmentation, restoring political trust and guiding the country towards stability. Further undermining or bypassing this framework risks reversing hard-won gains and reopening fault lines that could plunge South Sudan back into chaos. We therefore encourage all South Sudanese stakeholders to recommit to the Agreement in good faith and to address differences through inclusive dialogue. It is a time for renewed national consensus. Pakistan also underscores the essential role of the African-led regional initiatives in supporting the peace process. The sustained engagement of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and neighbouring States remains indispensable in easing tensions, facilitating dialogue and preserving regional stability. We welcome coordinated de-escalation efforts and encourage continued alignment between regional mechanisms, the United Nations and the South Sudanese actors in order to ensure coherence and effectiveness. Against this backdrop, the role of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is more vital than ever. As Under-Secretary-General Lacroix also mentioned, the presence of UNMISS matters, and there is a continued need for the Mission to remain operational and robust. UNMISS continues to serve a stabilizing role at a time of heightened political uncertainty, intercommunal violence and regional spillover risks. Its contribution to the protection of civilians, the deterrence of violence, the mitigation of intercommunal conflict and the facilitation of humanitarian access remains indispensable. The upcoming renewal of UNMISS is therefore of critical importance and should preserve the Mission’s core capacities, which are urgently needed to support the South Sudanese people and prevent the further deterioration of the situation. We also underline the importance of full respect for the status-of-forces agreement and of ensuring the safety and security of United Nations personnel. We take note of the progress made in the implementation of the UNMISS contingency plan, including the near completion of repatriations and issues regarding Wau and Bentiu bases, and we appreciate the cooperation extended thus far. At the same time, we note with concern the Secretary-General’s assessment of the operational impact of the ongoing liquidity crisis on UNMISS. In an already fragile environment, reductions in Mission capacity carry serious risks for the protection of civilians and the safety and security of United Nations personnel. The reported decline in patrols, the reduced reach and other implications underscore the real consequences of resource shortfalls on mandate delivery. The gravity of challenges is evident from the fact that, out of the 17,000 troops sanctioned by the Council to implement the mandate, only around 9,700 currently remain in UNMISS. These challenges are further compounded by the regional spillover of the conflict in the Sudan. Developments around Hijelij, including attacks on oil infrastructure, shifting control of territory and cross-border incidents, highlight the increasingly interconnected nature of instability in the region. The arrival of approximately 1.3 million people fleeing the conflict in the Sudan since April 2023 has placed additional strain on South Sudan’s already strained systems. In this context, further weakening the Mission’s capacities would be particularly ill-timed and counterproductive. Pakistan therefore joins the Secretary-General in urging all Member States to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time. United Nations peacekeeping was put in place by the international community precisely to address the kind of issues arising in situations such as South Sudan. It has a real impact on the ground in protecting the people and stabilizing the situation. The Security Council must remain central in playing that important role for the maintenance of international peace and security. Pakistan remains fully committed to supporting UNMISS, the Revitalized Agreement, and regional efforts aimed at securing lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

I would like to thank Mr. Lacroix, Mr. Owinow and Mr. Yakani for their briefings, which confirm that South Sudan is going through one of the most critical moments since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The simultaneous deterioration of the political, security and humanitarian situation described in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2026/58) is an unequivocal warning sign and a call to action for the Council. The situation in South Sudan demonstrates that the main challenge today is not the absence of a peace framework, but rather the urgent need to fully implement the Revitalized Agreement. Colombia views with deep concern the stagnation and even setbacks in the fulfilment of the agreed commitments, reflected in unilateral attempts to modify fundamental provisions and in the proliferation of parallel governance structures outside the agreed framework. These developments not only undermine trust between the parties, but also the very spirit of an instrument conceived as the legitimate framework for political transition and for preventing a return to armed conflict. In turn, they jeopardize the legitimacy of the electoral process and deepen political and social fragmentation, increasing the risk of further escalation of violence. Colombia understands that the path to implementing a peace agreement is neither linear nor free of difficulties. From our experience, we recognize that the implementation phase is often the most complex and demanding. We therefore wish to underscore that the value of an agreement lies in full compliance with what has been agreed, in the good faith of the parties and in the understanding that fulfilling the commitments undertaken is a political imperative and an indispensable condition for preserving the credibility of the peace process, but also for preventing the recurrence of cycles of violence. In this context, it is essential to strengthen international support, including the role of UNMISS and the Council, with a view to supporting the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, preserving the integrity of the transition process and preventing the security and human rights situation from deteriorating further. When implementation is weakened, the consequences are directly reflected on the ground, as evidenced by the increase in hostilities and clashes between government forces and armed opposition groups and by the increase in intercommunal violence. These dynamics have direct and devastating consequences for the civilian population, reflected in forced displacement, sexual and gender-based violence and the recruitment and use of children, which constitute serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. There can be no sustainable peace without dignity, and dignity begins with unconditional respect for life, integrity and human rights. Violence against civilians is incompatible with any genuine process of transition to peace. We therefore underscore the importance of taking immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and ensure maximum restraint. This will be possible only through a return to inclusive dialogue as the only way to preserve the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement. The people of South Sudan deserve better than an indefinite transition marked by violence, suffering and exclusion. They deserve credible implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, a task for which the role of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is essential. Colombia considers it necessary for the Council to continue providing UNMISS with the political, operational and resource support required by the Mission to fully carry out its mandate. We reiterate our willingness to continue contributing, as a Council member, to collective efforts to protect the civilian population and support sustainable peace in South Sudan. We reaffirm our commitment to collective efforts for a peaceful, inclusive and stable South Sudan, convinced that international support and regional mediation remain key to turning that hope into reality.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United Kingdom. I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Mr. Aggrey Owinow and Mr. Yakani for their valuable briefings. We have heard clearly today how the situation in South Sudan is deteriorating and requires coordinated international attention and pressure. Today I will address three key elements: first, the worsening security situation; then, the imperative for humanitarian access; and thirdly, the practical steps towards a political process for peace. First, the United Kingdom condemns the recent escalating military offensives across South Sudan since last March, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We condemn reported ethnically based hate speech and reported increased recruitment and use of child soldiers, reminiscent of the worst days of the civil war. We urge all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, including for the protection of civilians, and reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The United Kingdom also joins the Secretary-General’s calls for the safety and security of United Nations personnel, following the appalling killing of a staff member of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in Wau in December. We express our deepest condolences. Secondly, it is critical that life-saving humanitarian support be able to reach the millions needing assistance. We are particularly concerned about the situation in Jonglei, where violence has displaced approximately 230,000 people since December 2025. The 3 February air strike on a Médecins sans frontières hospital is unacceptable, as is the large-scale looting of a convoy carrying aid for 73,000 people in Upper Nile State between 31 January and 1 February. We reiterate our call on the Transitional Government to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to all areas, irrespective of political affiliation or ethnicity. Thirdly, it is critical that the parties return to the peace agreement. We urge the Transitional Government to cease proposing its unilateral amendments to the peace agreement and its removal of opposition officials. We also express concern about the creation of parallel governance structures, which are affecting aid and delivery. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is critical to providing peace to South Sudan, especially through a power- sharing Government. The actions of President Kiir’s regime are undermining this. The United Kingdom joins the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in urging all parties to recommit to inclusive, consensus-driven dialogue to prevent a slide back into full-scale civil war. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of South Sudan.

Allow me at the outset to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of February, and I assure you of our delegation’s full support and cooperation. We also thank you for convening this important meeting and express our appreciation to the briefers, Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Chairperson Owinow and Executive Director Yakani, for their presentations. South Sudan is grateful for the Security Council’s sustained attention, engagement and support at this critical moment. We recognize the seriousness of the concerns raised here this morning by the Security Council and the Security Council’s overriding objective of preventing further deterioration while preserving the hard- won gains of the peace process. The Government of South Sudan remains fully committed to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, which continues to serve as the central and agreed framework for peace, stability and development, and we acknowledge the challenges facing the implementation thereof. But rest assured that we are ready and need to end the transition period with an election. Our people deserve this. Recent incidents highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2026/58) pinpoint the core issues with nation-building faced by post-conflict States, in which, at times, non-State actors continue to find fertile ground to operate. This situation has been a recurring problem for South Sudan since its independence and has far-reaching consequences for civilians. In response, the Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding civilians and ensuring safe, sustained humanitarian access. These endeavours are undertaken to protect civilians, the United Nations and our humanitarian partners in South Sudan. Restoring peace and confidence among the parties is of the utmost importance to us, and we can report that South Sudan’s peace partners have consistently demonstrated openness to dialogue and engagement with all the signatories and stakeholders in the peace process. This approach seeks to resolve differences peacefully and mitigate tensions. South Sudan also underscores the importance of carefully managing the transitional period in a manner that preserves stability, maintains State institutions and advances the agreed reforms. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that the political process contributes to national unity, inclusivity and respect for the constitutional order. We highly value the role of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and its support of peace implementation, protection of civilians and promotion of stability. We reaffirm our commitment to continued cooperation with UNMISS, in full respect of the status-of-forces agreement, and we welcome ongoing dialogue to address operational challenges, including those arising from global financial and logistical constraints affecting peacekeeping. South Sudan also reaffirms and fully believes that balanced, constructive and coordinated international engagement is crucial to progress. In this regard, we express our deep appreciation to the international community, including the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union High-level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, for their consistent engagement, leadership and understanding of the regional context. While acknowledging the complexity of the current security and humanitarian situation, South Sudan reiterates that the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the sole viable framework for sustainable peace and stability. We caution against narratives that risk creating a false equivalence between constitutionally mandated State actions taken to protect civilians and institutions and the actions of armed actors operating outside of the peace frameworks. Such narratives risk emboldening spoilers and undermining compliance with the peace agreement. South Sudan seeks no return to conflict. Our people have endured immense suffering, and peace remains our collective aspiration. We therefore call for continued, balanced engagement that isolates spoilers, supports dialogue, strengthens national institutions and preserves the political space necessary for peace to take root. In this spirit, we respectfully encourage the Council to continue supporting de- escalation and the commitment of all political parties and non-State actors to a permanent ceasefire; to reinforce efforts that discourage armed spoilers; to sustain support for UNMISS; to strengthen regional and continental initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust and advancing peace implementation; but most importantly — and this is a very prominent issue — to invest in youth development to give the young incentives for peace so they are not used for other reasons. South Sudan stands ready to continue working constructively with the Security Council, the United Nations, the African Union, IGAD and our neighbours, including the African Union High-level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, and with all parties to stabilize the situation, alleviate humanitarian suffering and safeguard our nation’s future, because this future belongs to our youth.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.