S/PV.9855 Security Council

I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Amar Bendjama, Permanent Representative of Algeria, for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of January. I am sure that I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Bendjama and his team for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council’s business last month. Adoption of the agenda

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. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan; Major General Charles Tai Gituai, 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/2025/54, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in South Sudan. I now give the floor to Mr. Haysom. Mr. Haysom: I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief on developments in South Sudan. February 2025 marks the beginning of the extended transitional period. That is the fourth extension of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. While the people of South Sudan have been patient, there is no appetite for another extension. There is a strong desire for the leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement without further delay. The Tumaini talks continue in Nairobi, and public expectations for a swift resolution on outstanding points of difference are high. I note the continuing divergence of positions and urge the parties to engage constructively to enable progress on a more inclusive agreement. Since my most recent briefing (see S/PV.9778), I note progress in the following four areas. First, on civic and political space in South Sudan, I note the commitments made in the 2024 Governors Forum, including a resolution calling for the repeal of sections 54, 55 and 57 of the National Security Service bill in support of civic and political space. I welcome the declarations of governors, both individually and collectively, to expand civic and political space in their respective states. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) will continue working with government The second area is expanded access to justice, inter alia, through mobile courts. In Bentiu, the Unity state government deployed a mobile court for the first time using its own resources. That is a shift from the reliance on ad hoc, Juba-based interventions to a more sustainable, localized justice delivery system. An UNMISS- supported mobile court was deployed recently to Renk. It will hear more than 100 cases, including on sexual and gender-based violence. In the context of transitional justice, I welcome the enactment into law of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Act and the Compensation and Reparation Authority Acts. The Mission looks forward to the implementation of judicial reforms contemplated in the Judicial Reform Committee report. Turning to the third area, on security arrangements, I report the long-delayed adoption of the framework for the management of the security sector. That would eventually provide for the institutional management and civilian oversight of the armed forces. I also welcome the adoption of a national community violence reduction strategy. Fourthly, on election preparedness, I note progress in the operationalization of the National Elections Commission (NEC). The NEC launched its website and developed a legally mandated code of conduct. It is rolling out a civic and voter education strategy and is holding stakeholder consultations with political parties and civil society groups. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is supporting the presence of the State High Elections Commissions by providing infrastructure in all 10 states. Election security training and intragovernmental coordination is forging ahead between the police service and civil society, with support from the United Nations integrated electoral assessment team and United Nations police. These are important achievements. However, none are sufficient to significantly move the needle on the 10 critical decisions required for holding elections and adopting a new constitution. Nor do they fully address, of these, what we call the six low-hanging fruits on measures that could be taken to signal political will. Those include the full deployment of the necessary unified forces, civic education, voter registration, amending the National Security Service bill, delivering a voluntary code of conduct between the political parties, civil society and media and finally, responding to the shared role on election security. The clock is already ticking on the extended transitional period. Decision makers need to tackle several issues simultaneously and immediately. We have not yet seen the previously promised harmonized workplan with an operational timetable for elections. The constitution-making and census timelines do not currently fit into the framework for a December 2026 election. The lack of Government funding and delayed legal and political decisions are slowing those processes down. Neither UNMISS nor the international community or the electoral management bodies con provide the full measure of support if these critical decisions are not taken. No explanation has been forthcoming as to why the necessary decisions have not been finalized, nor when they will be finalized. A unified approach by the regional and international community should be clear to all the stakeholders on the need to avoid another extension. The parties should be under no illusion that there will be resources from the international community to sponsor the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, ending with elections, if there is no evidence of political will to accelerate the implementation of the key benchmarks. South Sudan continues to grapple with humanitarian, economic and security stressors. Communal violence remains the primary driver of conflict affecting civilians, and it has a disproportionate effect on vulnerable populations, including women, children and marginalized groups. Recent incidents demonstrate the need to implement the transitional security arrangements, including clashes in Tambura and Nagero, Western Equatoria, which are a violation of the ceasefire. It seems that the two pre-eminent armed parties are unwilling to engage each other in dialogue on security-related issues, which risks further standoff in due course. I call upon the military leadership of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Army in Opposition to come to mutually agreeable terms on dismantling illegal checkpoints. UNMISS continues to implement our protection-of-civilians mandate through an integrated approach focusing on high-risk areas. Our deployment strategy balances the requirements for mobility, with static presence in conflict hotspots. We launched a new initiative to deter conflict-related sexual violence, working with communities on early warning and patrolling. Here, I acknowledge the important role of our troop- and police-contributing countries in carrying out mandate. Our latest perception survey shows that South Sudanese continue to value the presence and impact of UNMISS. However, we note a softening in overall support from 94 to 74 per cent. That aligns with a reported spike in security concerns, declining optimism in the peace process, concerns about barriers to elections and repression, with people not feeling free enough to express their opinions. Meanwhile, the toxic effects of the Sudan conflict are spilling over into South Sudan, as witnessed by the unrest in Juba and beyond, following the reported killing or execution of South Sudanese in Wad Madani. I acknowledge the South Sudanese Government for its swift response in providing safety for Sudanese nationals seeking refuge from potential retaliatory attacks. Notwithstanding limited reports of looting by some security officials, it demonstrated the Government’s capacity to protect civilians when necessary. South Sudan has been a haven for people fleeing the Sudan conflict since April 2023, with refugees and returnee arrivals passing the 1 million mark in the period under review. They join around 9.3 million people already in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, with the conflict and the climate and economic crises keeping too many people on the very edge of survival. The recent unrest also reflects public frustration over the economic crisis. The cost of an average food basket has risen by 200 per cent, the inflation rate stands at 107 per cent, and approximately 10 months of Government salaries are unpaid. I note the Government’s recent announcement that the flow of South Sudan’s oil has resumed. We hope that that will lead to the availability of resources for social services and the overall transitional process but note that that had not been the case prior to the disruption of the oil flows in 2024. Cholera was exacerbated by the 2024 floods and has resulted in over 23,000 reported cases. While treatment, water and sanitation campaigns and vaccinations have contained the cholera outbreak in several locations, the disease continues to spread, particularly in hard-to-reach regions. I must report that UNMISS has received a request from the Government for the Mission to vacate part of its headquarters. This request, on a 45-day notice period, comes at a significant cost and with a logistical timetable that we do not currently have the resources to accommodate. The Mission is offering a collaborative approach in response, but I note that the outcome will be guided by operational necessities and, in the long term, resource availability. Our operational environment is also constrained by movement restrictions on peacekeepers in some parts of the country. UNMISS will continue to pursue constructive dialogue with our host Government on those issues through the high-level coordination committee, a joint discussion and consultation forum. In conclusion, I affirm that UNMISS stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of South Sudan on their journey from conflict to stabilization and democratization. The situation will remain fragile as an electoral period draws nearer. The role of the United Nations is to help to make peace gains irreversible in a region that is rife with humanitarian and security challenges. We appreciate the Council and all our partners for their continued support.

I thank Mr. Haysom for his statement. I now give the floor to Major General Gituai. Major General Gituai: I congratulate you, Mr. President, and the People’s Republic of China for assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month, and I also would like to thank you for inviting the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) to address the esteemed Council. RJMEC is the official oversight body responsible for monitoring and evaluating the status of implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. When RJMEC last briefed the Council in August 2024 (see S/PV.9705), I informed you that the pace of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement has been generally slow and that key tasks, such as the making of the permanent Constitution, numerous elections-related preparatory tasks and completion of the unification of forces, were still pending. Then, the following month, September 2024, pursuant to Article 8, paragraph 4, of the Agreement, the parties to the Agreement, agreed by consensus to extend the transitional period from 22 February 2025 to 22 February 2027, with elections scheduled for December 2026. In just over two weeks from now, as South Sudan enters the extended period for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, the same tasks remain pending. My briefing today builds on the previous RJMEC reports to the Council and will highlight our assessment of the status of implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. In terms of governance, the National Elections Commission has completed its plans and has already opened offices in the 10 states. However, financial constraints remain a hindrance to progress in the preparation for elections. Although, as previously reported, the Political Parties Council has already registered 29 political parties, the elections laws stipulate that parties with armed forces cannot be registered until they relinquish their forces through the process of unification. That includes the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) and others within the South Sudan Opposition Alliance. That, therefore, underscores the need to hasten the unification of forces so that those parties can participate in the elections. The National Constitutional Amendment Committee and the Judicial Reform Committee have both successfully delivered their mandates and concluded their In terms of transitional security arrangements, the permanent ceasefire continues to hold, though recent skirmishes in Western Equatoria state between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the SPLM/A-IO over the removal of illegal checkpoints are concerning. The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism has been tasked with investigating and forwarding the resulting report to RJMEC. There has been no change in the unification of forces, with approximately 55,000 of the 83,000 phase-one unified forces trained and graduated, and eight battalions of approximately 6,000 troops of the army component deployed, with the remainder still not deployed. Persistent intercommunal violence in parts of the country continue to create disruption and anxiety and is unsettling. Furthermore, the Strategic Defence and Security Review Board completed its review and validated all five strategic policies and security review frameworks, which now await presentation to the presidency for endorsement. With regard to the Tumaini Initiative mediation talks that are ongoing in Nairobi, I would like to commend His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit and His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto for that important initiative. The people of South Sudan are looking forward to a positive outcome to those talks and are hoping that it will bring practical and enhanced transformative approaches in addressing the root causes of conflict and will hasten the implementation of the peace agreement. It is hoped that the parties to the talks will remain focused and maintain a spirit of compromise, cooperation and consensus in order to achieve a more inclusive peace process that will lead to the country’s first-ever elections and usher in a new dispensation of democratic governance underpinned by the rule of law in the post-election phase. On the humanitarian front, service delivery across the country remains very low, as resources continue to dwindle and budgets are overstretched. The Special Reconstruction Fund and its board, provided for in the Revitalized Agreement, have not yet been established. The impact of the conflict in the Sudan continues to exacerbate the humanitarian situation and has caused a huge influx of returnees and refugees in South Sudan, the number of which now stands at more than 1 million. Widespread flooding is also persistent. As regards resource, economic and financial management, the Public Financial Management Oversight Committee continues to show steady commitment to economic reforms, notably in its improved monitoring of public spending, the national budget and revenue collection, especially the collection of non-oil revenue. Efforts are also ongoing to reform the Bank of South Sudan. Those reforms are meant to promote financial stability through the legal regulation of all financial institutions to foster financial intermediation. Oil production, the country’s main source of foreign earnings, was disrupted in the second quarter of 2024 because of the conflict in the Republic of the Sudan. The main pipeline, transporting approximately 60 per cent of crude oil to Port Sudan, that was damaged has yet to be repaired. Consequently, revenue earnings fell considerably. On transitional justice, slow progress is being made. Legislation for the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing and the Compensation and Reparations Authority has been enacted. The process of operationalizing those mechanisms is under way, following approval of a Cabinet memorandum by the Council of Ministers in January 2025 for their establishment. Regarding the Commission for Regarding the permanent constitution-making process, the National Constitutional Review Commission formed subcommittees to conduct nationwide civic education sessions and public consultations. However, progress in the implementation of those critical processes is delayed owing to a lack of resources. Familiar challenges facing the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement persist, including low levels of political will, a trust deficit among the parties to the Agreement and a lack of predictable funding. Furthermore, capacity gaps and continued levels of intercommunal violence in the states slow the progress of implementation. However, with the extended transitional period due to begin in just over two weeks, key immediate requirements are the demonstration of political will, the provision of funding for the institutions and mechanisms under the Agreement, the harmonization of the work plans of the National Elections Commission and the National Constitutional Review Commission, and the completion of the unification of forces. Meanwhile, it is important to fully establish the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing. It is, therefore, critical that the activities on the part of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity be actively energized and injected with a sense of urgency, as the new extended period commences on 23 February 2025. In conclusion, I therefore appeal to the Council to remain seized of the peace process in South Sudan, to consider conducting a visit to show solidarity with the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity as it enters this critical phase and to encourage the international community to continue to mobilize resources and political support to help South Sudan achieve its first democratic elections in December 2026.

I thank Major General Gituai for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Yakani. Mr. Yakani: I thank you, Mr. President, for giving me this opportunity to brief the Security Council. My country is struggling to transition from instability to stability through the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Additionally, we are impressed by the ongoing Tumaini Peace Initiative, which is mediated by the Government of Kenya and co-mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the Community of Sant’Egidio. We believe that the Tumaini Initiative provides an opportunity to outline an implementable political framework for transitioning the country from violence to peace. On behalf of the citizens of South Sudan, allow me to bring to members’ attention the following concerns for their consideration and leadership. First, while the ceasefire held in the past, recently we have seen violations of the ceasefire agreement, as per recent reports by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism. Secondly, our Government should demonstrate concrete political commitment to transitioning the country from violence to peace through the conduct of elections, and we hope that this two-year extension will be the last extension, and that elections The elections will be credible and peaceful if the Government creates good enough conditions for holding the elections. Among the key factors for good-enough conditions are the following. First, timely political decisions are required from the presidency on the fate of the elections, and that will allow the National Elections Commission to carry out its technical roles effectively. Secondly, we must see the unification of forces. Thirdly, we need adequate and timely financing for elections, with a clear timeline that will make the Government deliver the elections. Fourthly, we need the operationalization of the recent judiciary report that was given to our President and the operationalization of transitional justice as directed by the recent approval of the Council of Ministers. Fifthly, we hope that there will be provision of more opportunities to engage on open civic and political space. We have recently witnessed very progressive commitment from the government leadership through engagement with the leadership of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan at the national and subnational levels, and the country now has a declaration signed by political parties, civil society and the media for open civic and political space. We also hope that, as our Government is engaging with other actors and members of the international community, such engagement will be under mutual understanding and cooperation will be embraced, and we hope that interference will be limited. In conclusion, the occurrence of deadly communal violence across the country is posing great challenges for the success of the political transition of the country from violence to peace. Finally, I hope that the members of the international community will continue to stand with the people of South Sudan, and, on behalf of the citizens of South Sudan, I would like to tell you, Mr. President, and the members of the Council that peacekeeping is making a difference in our lives in terms of safety and protection.

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

I wish you a good presidency this month, Mr. President, and I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom, Ambassador Gituai and Mr. Yakani for their briefings. They were very enlightening. The people of South Sudan deserve peace, the freedom to participate in civic and political processes and a Government that is responsive to their needs. Instead, transitional Government leaders have consistently failed to take the minimal steps required to create the conditions necessary to bring the transitional period to a peaceful conclusion. They have also failed to use public revenue transparently to address public needs, while demanding the international community continue to fund basic public services. Despite significant international support, including from the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, on key election issues, we see that President Mayardit, First Vice-President Riek Machar and other South Sudanese political leaders have thus far collectively failed to meet the standards necessary for free, fair and peaceful elections to take place. South Sudan’s leaders have not demonstrated political will to seriously move towards elections or This year, 9 January marked the twentieth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Sudan People’s Liberation Army, a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s history that brought hope to a people long ravaged by war and oppression. However, two decades later, the Agreement’s promise of peace, prosperity and a responsive Government remains unfilled. Instead of being a cause for celebration, the anniversary was a reminder of the failure of South Sudan’s leaders to meet the expectations of their own people and of the international donor community, which has long provided their country with support. We call on the transitional Government to act without further delay to start to transparently and responsibly use public revenue for appropriate public purposes, rather than to benefit a small, corrupt elite. We call on them to open civic and political space as a path towards free, fair and peaceful elections and to allow citizens to meaningfully engage in domestic Government, to fund electoral institutions, establish the necessary unified forces and engage in high-level dialogue in Juba, where all parties reject violence as a political tool South Sudanese leaders, both signatories and non-signatories to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan of 2018, must take the opportunity of the Tumaini talks in Nairobi to discuss a path forward to peace. We welcome Kenya’s decision to continue to host those talks, which are all the more important in the absence of signs of serious effort by Juba-based leaders to meet peace commitments. A consistent system to ensure appropriate tax exemptions for foreign assistance, United Nations agencies and diplomatic missions must be put in place. We urge the transitional Government to honour commitments to ensure aid reaches those who need it most and to lower the risks and costs of delivering aid in South Sudan. We will be paying close attention to all developments on the ground with a view to the upcoming United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) mandate renewal in April. The United States remains committed to the South Sudanese people and to working closely with UNMISS, the transitional Government, Council members and all stakeholders to promote peace and prosperity for the country and the region.

I would first like to offer our congratulations to the delegation of the People’s Republic of China on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month, trusting and certain that their skill will ensure success in our work. We would also like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Nicholas Haysom, retired Major General Charles Tai Gituai and Mr. Edmund Yakani for their briefings, which were crucial to shedding light on the complexity of the situation in South Sudan and to assessing the ongoing efforts towards peace and stability. Panama has followed the progress and challenges in the peace process in South Sudan. Despite the gravity of the challenges, it is crucial that we recognize the efforts that are being deployed to consolidate reconciliation in the country, hand in hand with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Of particular relevance are the plans to hold national elections in December 2026 — an urgent step in building a democratic and stable future. At the same time, we recognize the efforts of the National Elections Commission to promote a consultative dialogue on the smooth conduct of the process. That effort must be accompanied by support for the active participation of civil society, which While acknowledging progress, the Secretary-General’s recent report (S/2025/54) shows that the situation remains extremely worrisome. Security in the country remains volatile, characterized by cases of communal violence, cattle rustling and the prevalence of food insecurity, which affects 6.3 million people in the country. Internal displacement in the country also remains alarming, with entire communities continuing to live in extremely vulnerable conditions. In addition, incidents related to access to humanitarian aid have been reported, which is unacceptable. The persistence of sexual and gender-based violence, which remains one of the most devastating forms of human rights violations in the country, is particularly serious. Women and girls as young as 11 years old have recently been victims of conflict-related sexual violence. That situation demands an urgent and determined response from all parties. Against that backdrop of insecurity, the work carried out by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is crucial, and it must be safeguarded in line with the principles on the protection of humanitarian personnel. It is imperative that national institutions and authorities shoulder their responsibilities, with strong political will, to ensure security, justice and reconciliation. The full, effective, safe and equitable participation of women, youth and communities is essential for peacebuilding. The international community, and in particular the Security Council, must continue to play a central role in creating the necessary conditions for South Sudan to see better days. Panama reaffirms its commitment to the people of South Sudan and to the efforts of the United Nations to achieve a lasting and meaningful peace. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that South Sudan is never again plunged into a cycle of violence, but can live in peaceful, stable and just conditions.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, namely, Algeria, Somalia and my own country, Sierra Leone, plus Guyana (A3+). At the outset, we wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, and the People’s Republic of China, on assuming the presidency of our Council. We express to you our best wishes for success. We also seize this opportunity to commend Algeria for its excellent and able leadership of our Council’s work during the month of January. We acknowledge the Secretary-General’s report on South Sudan (S/2025/54), and thank Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and retired Major General Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), for their important briefings. We also thank Mr. Edmund Yakani Berizilious, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, for his contribution. We welcome the participation of the representative of South Sudan in this meeting. The A3+ commends the Government of South Sudan for the progress achieved thus far in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, including the reconstitution of the RJMEC, the passage of key legislation, such as the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Act and the Compensation and Reparations Authority Act, and the We recognize Kenya’s leadership in the Tumaini initiative and commend the engagement of His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan and His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya, alongside the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in advancing the peace process. The A3+ commends the ministerial visit to Juba undertaken by the members of the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad hoc Committee on South Sudan, namely Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa, on 16 and 17 January. Through that solidarity visit, the Committee members reaffirmed the unwavering support of the African Union to the peace process in South Sudan. In noting those notable achievements, the A3+ however remains concerned about key challenges. First, on the electoral process, and with elections rescheduled for December 2026, urgent action is needed to finalize transitional security arrangements and establish a middle command structure for the Necessary Unified Forces. We believe that the implementation of an electoral road map represents a critical component for a successful election. We also believe that in preparing for such a road map, consideration should be given to the participation of internally displaced people and returnees in the election, an issue which was not addressed in the National Elections Act. We echo the Secretary-General’s call on the South Sudanese parties to use the two-year extension to implement the main pending tasks, in particular the constitution-making process, the unification of forces and voter registration. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of an inclusive electoral process in which all South Sudanese are on board. Secondly, the A3+ is of the view that there is a need for a credible national census and inclusive electoral process. A national census is critical for fair elections, especially given the fact that the National Bureau of Statistics estimates that at least 16 months will be necessary to complete it. In that regard, we urge the South Sudanese authorities to ensure that it is conducted in a timely manner with the support of regional and international partners. In addition, a transparent voter registration process, open civic space and the active engagement of political parties, civil society, and the media are essential for a free and fair electoral process. Thirdly, the A3+ remains concerned about frequent incidents of fatal intercommunal violence and human rights violations that persist across regions. We regret and remain concerned about the growing incidents of intercommunal violence, extrajudicial killings and sexual and gender-based violence, which pose a grave threat to the stability and development of South Sudan. The A3+ calls on South Sudan, UNMISS, IGAD and the African Union to work together to curb the violence and hold all perpetrators accountable. In that regard, security sector reform and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of armed groups and individuals remain critical to creating a safe and impartial electoral environment. Fourthly, the A3+ is deeply concerned about the deteriorating economic situation in the country, driven by a decline in oil production due to the ongoing conflict in the Sudan. Economic stability is crucial for addressing key challenges, including unemployment, the unification and graduation of armed forces, and the allocation of resources to national institutions responsible for reconciliation and the electoral process. In that connection, we call on the Government of South Sudan to implement effective resource management systems that prioritize accountability and transparency in the use and management of the country’s resources. In conclusion, the A3+ commends UNMISS, the African Union, IGAD and Kenya for their persistent engagement with non-signatory groups to ensure peace in South Sudan. The A3+ continues to commend and urges all stakeholders in South Sudan to remain committed to the Revitalized Agreement and to work collectively to secure lasting peace and stability. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting South Sudan’s transition and urge all actors to sustain efforts towards peace, stability and the democratic future of South Sudan.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate China on its presidency of the Security Council for the month of February, and I wish you, Mr. President, and your team an excellent presidency. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Nicholas Haysom, for his briefing and Major General Charles Tai Gituai and Mr. Edmund Yakani for their contributions. I would like to emphasize three points. First, since the Council’s most recent meeting on 7 November 2024 (see S/PV.9778), progress towards implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan has been limited. That is the clear conclusion of the Secretary-General’s report of 24 January (S/2025/54). France welcomes President Salva Kiir’ Mayardit’s enactment of laws relating to justice. Nevertheless, we regret that minimal progress has been made, particularly with regard to the deployment of the unified forces in the necessary numbers and to the drafting of a constitution. With regard to election preparations, we encourage the South Sudanese Government to pursue its efforts, starting now, to create the necessary conditions for the organization of free, inclusive and transparent elections within the two-year time frame. France encourages the South Sudanese authorities to resume publishing oil revenue reports in order to strengthen the confidence of international donors and the support of foreign investors. Secondly, France reiterates its full support for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), whose contribution to the country’s stability is essential. We call on the South Sudanese authorities to cooperate with UNMISS, which must be able to implement its mandate fully. France regrets the persistent insecurity and the frequent intercommunal violence. We welcome the Mission’s work in mitigating intercommunal conflicts. France actively supports that work in its national capacity. Thirdly, France is concerned about the growing impact of the conflict in the Sudan on South Sudan, which is exacerbating an already difficult humanitarian, security and economic situation. Humanitarian support is essential in South Sudan, where more than 1 million people have sought refuge since April 2023. The events in Juba earlier this year, following the capture of Wad Madani by the Sudanese armed forces, attest to the volatility of the situation. France calls on the parties to the conflict in the Sudan to conclude a ceasefire, guarantee the protection of the civilian population, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and engage in an inclusive political dialogue, with a view to restoring a lasting peace that would benefit the entire region. In conclusion, the United Nations must remain mobilized in support of South Sudan, despite the proliferation of crises elsewhere. France will continue its efforts in that regard.

Let me begin, Mr. President, by wishing you all the best in steering the work of the Council through February. I wish to thank the briefers, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom, Major General Gituai and Mr. Yakani, for their briefings, and I also welcome the representative of South Sudan to this meeting. Allow me to address three points. First, we urge the South Sudanese Government to utilize fully the extended transitional period in order to strengthen the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. A robust, two-year work plan should be developed to expedite the constitutional process and ensure preparations for free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in December 2026, along with transitional security arrangements. While we note some positive developments, including the adoption of a code of conduct and regulations for election observers, media, party representatives and campaign activities, as well as programmes under chapter 5 of the agreement we remain concerned about the delays in mobilizing necessary resources in the absence of a clear implementation plan. We note efforts under the Tumaini initiative and emphasize that they should be complementary to the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. While acknowledging the economic challenges in South Sudan, we nonetheless urge the Government to prioritize securing the necessary funding to ensure the timely implementation of the agreement. Secondly, we are deeply concerned about the security and humanitarian situation. The persistence intercommunal conflicts and reports of cattle raids, communal violence and criminal activities, despite the reduction in mobility caused by seasonal flooding, remain troubling. We call on the Government to promote peaceful coexistence, enhance preventive measures, ensure community safety and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuses. Humanitarian needs are growing, amid the compounding effects of widespread flooding, economic instability, deepening food insecurity and the severe impact of the conflict in the Sudan, with now more than 1 million refugees, returnees and asylum seekers crossing into South Sudan. We again emphasize the need for an immediate and durable ceasefire in the Sudan. The combined pressures of environmental challenges and a massive refugee influx have created an alarming humanitarian crisis. That is further aggravated by the concerning spread of cholera, which makes clean water, proper sanitation and adequate healthcare services urgently necessary. Comprehensive, coordinated support is needed. We emphasize the need for the safe and unhindered delivery of aid, and we strongly condemn attacks on humanitarian workers, their assets and facilities. Thirdly, we remain deeply troubled by the ongoing sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence and grave violations against children. We call for full accountability for those violations and for the implementation of measures to protect vulnerable populations from further abuse. In that regard, we commend the support provided by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for strengthening the capacity of the national judicial system, through In conclusion, let me reaffirm our support for UNMISS and its pivotal role in promoting peace and protecting civilians; its efforts to advance the constitutional process, electoral preparations and humanitarian efforts; and its support for the dialogue on civic and political space and for enhancing the participation of women and youth in peace and political processes. We equally commend the vital work of the United Nations country team. We remain concerned by the continuous violations of 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, hindering the ability of UNMISS to fulfil its mandate. Slovenia again calls on the Government to fully respect and implement the provisions of the status of forces agreement, thereby enabling UNMISS to operate without any restrictions.

Allow me to congratulate China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of February and to wish it every success. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Haysom, Major General Gituai and Mr. Yakani for the comprehensive and extremely interesting briefings. South Sudan stands at a crossroads, facing political instability, a deteriorating humanitarian crisis and a fragile peace process. We remain sceptical of the Government’s decision to extend the transitional period by another 24 months. That extension must not be another missed opportunity. A well-structured road map towards the December 2026 elections is essential to restoring public trust and ensuring a credible transition. That process must be transparent, while ensuring the meaningful participation of civil society, political actors and marginalized communities, including women and youth. Allow me to highlight three key points. First, the humanitarian and security situation remains deeply concerning, with the ongoing war in the neighbouring Sudan further exacerbating displacement, food insecurity and instability. The influx of refugees from the Sudan, the circulation of illicit arms and the recruitment of combatants pose additional threats to South Sudan’s stability. Greece calls for unimpeded humanitarian access, enhanced protection for aid workers and immediate measures to address conflict-related sexual violence and gender-based violence and the heightened vulnerabilities of displaced populations, particularly women and children. Secondly, we encourage South Sudan’s leadership to take decisive steps towards the full implementation of the peace agreement. That includes the deployment of unified security forces, credible voter registration, the establishment of independent electoral bodies and a clear framework for conducting free, fair and peaceful elections in 2026, ensuring the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women. Further delays and lack of tangible progress will only deepen mistrust and risk further instability. Equally important is respect for fundamental freedoms, civic space and political pluralism. Thirdly, we strongly support the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in its efforts to advance the peace process, protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian operations and strengthen the rule of law. The Mission’s work in constitutional development, electoral preparations and community peace dialogues is essential for stability. We commend its role in disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and gender-focused initiatives, which are crucial for achieving sustainable peace. Additionally, regional and international cooperation remain vital in addressing the spillover effects of the Sudanese conflict and reinforcing efforts to stabilize South Sudan. Greece supports the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the Kenya-led Tumaini mediation initiative, as it does all African- led initiatives, and encourages all stakeholders to remain committed to inclusive dialogue and diplomatic solutions. Finally, Greece reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of South Sudan. We stand in solidarity with its people and pledge our continued support for their aspirations for peace, security and sustainable development.

Let me congratulate China on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of February. You have our full support, Mr. President, and we also thank Algeria for its excellent stewardship during the month of January. I thank Special Representative Haysom, Major General Tai Gituai and Mr. Yakani for briefing us today. I commend Special Representative Haysom and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for their tireless efforts to protect and assist the people of South Sudan and recognize the positive contribution of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and civil society. First, I express my serious concern regarding the attacks on civilians, including South Sudanese, in Wad Madani in the Sudan between 11 and 15 January and the subsequent unrest in South Sudan on 16 and17 January. Secondly, as we heard today, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan is desperate. More than 1 million displaced people have now arrived from the Sudan into South Sudan since the outbreak of the conflict. The United Kingdom recognizes the significant impact of the Sudan crisis on the region and applauds South Sudan’s commitment to welcoming and supporting those fleeing the conflict. We commend UNMISS’s facilitation of humanitarian efforts, noting that significant challenges lie ahead in 2025. The United Kingdom will continue to support South Sudan, and we have increased our humanitarian support to the Sudan’s neighbours. Thirdly, as we also heard today, the political situation in South Sudan remains precarious. The United Kingdom is concerned about continued restrictions on the political and civic space in the country and by the lack of progress towards unification of the security forces. Progress on that is critical to create the conditions for sustainable peace and elections. The transitional Government of South Sudan has not yet produced its promised workplan to deliver elections in 2026. Without renewed efforts, progress towards peaceful, inclusive and credible elections risks falling further behind schedule. We welcome UNMISS’s work to build capacity and capability for South Sudan’s electoral institutions. We repeat our call on the transitional Government to match those efforts, to provide adequate funding for elections and to pay the salaries of public servants, including the security forces. In conclusion, we call on the transitional Government of South Sudan to publish a credible elections preparations workplan and then take the necessary steps towards holding peaceful, inclusive and credible elections in line with the new 2026 timeline. We studied closely the Secretary-General’s latest report on the situation in the Republic of South Sudan (S/2025/54) and took note of the decision taken by the Government to extend the transitional period by two years and to postpone the general elections until December 2026. We are convinced that the issues related to voting are internal matters of South Sudan. In recent years, the leadership of South Sudan has managed to achieve relative stability and tangible progress in State-building and resolving security issues. We expect that the South Sudanese parties will show resolve and political will to fully implement the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and will make the necessary efforts to fully abide by the new timelines. New impetus should be given to the formation of unified armed forces as a guarantor of further progress in the peace process. That requires not only the efforts of the South Sudanese authorities, but also the constructive approach by the opposition movements. The sanctions regime against South Sudan continues to hinder the deployment and consolidation of State security institutions. The parameters of the international arms embargo are outdated and need to be reviewed. We hope that this understanding of the issue will prevail in May when we are slated to discuss the language of the relevant Security Council resolution. It is of fundamental importance to ensure that the approaches of our three African members of the Security Council play a decisive role with regard to South Sudan. We are concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan, which is compounded by frequent natural disasters, refugees fleeing from the Sudan and South Sudanese returnees coming back to their homeland. That has significantly exacerbated the already difficult situation in the northern states and has posed a serious challenge for the country as a whole. However, thus far, the country’s authorities, with full support from UNMISS and humanitarian agencies, have managed to keep the situation under control. We support the international steps undertaken to normalize the situation and strengthen peace and security in South Sudan. We pay tribute to the relevant mediation efforts by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in that regard. A significant contribution to implementing the specific provisions of the Revitalized Agreement is being made by UNMISS itself, and Russia fully supports the Mission. We strongly condemn any violations of the Revitalized Agreement and any acts of violence against civilians, including the United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers operating in the country. We hope that both the South Sudanese authorities and the UNMISS leadership will show flexibility in resolving current issues and will have a constructive approach to resolving potential thorny points.

Let me once again congratulate China on the assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. We wish you, Sir, and your whole team very good luck. Denmark commends the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for its dedication and leadership in fulfilling its mandate. Day in, day out, with the support of that critical Mission, civilians are protected and peace is supported. While challenges abound in South Sudan, so too do opportunities for democratic progress. As we move forward, it is crucial to grasp those opportunities effectively. I will focus on three points. First, the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan must be urgently addressed. We take note of the public commitments and support of the Government in that regard. However, promises must be turned into reality. The pace must be increased to meet the new extended deadline. We urge the Government to develop a clear plan for the next 24 months. Elections-related bodies have to be adequately resourced, and the groundwork prepared for free, fair and inclusive elections. The drafting of the constitution must be underpinned by inclusive, people-driven engagement. That includes ensuring the meaningful participation of women and civil society organizations. We express our appreciation to UNMISS for its role in amplifying the diverse voices of civil society in South Sudan. In that regard, reports of arbitrary detentions are very concerning. That continues to undermine the civic and political space imperative for the country’s path to general elections. We also take note of the resumption of the Tumaini Initiative process, facilitated and supported by Kenya. We urge all parties to engage in a meaningful and constructive manner without delay. Secondly, the humanitarian situation in the country is dire. South Sudan faces a confluence of crises, which continues to drive humanitarian and protection needs and chronic food insecurity. That is worsened by severe economic and climate shocks. The facts are clear: South Sudan stands as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Extensive flooding has submerged large areas of the country, devastating communities and displacing hundreds of thousands. Other areas are grappling with devastating drought. Climate shocks hinder humanitarian access and responses and compound extensive and widespread food insecurity. We are encouraged by UNMISS efforts in this area. Against that backdrop, humanitarian workers are carrying out essential work, often under difficult conditions. Attacks against those workers are unacceptable. They ultimately obstruct aid access and must cease immediately. Thirdly, we are alarmed by the deterioration of the security situation in South Sudan, including most recently in Eastern Equatoria state. Reports of extrajudicial killings and child abductions are deeply worrisome. Women and girls suffer disproportionately, and we strongly condemn any and all acts of conflict-related sexual violence. All parties must fully respect international humanitarian law and human rights law. Those responsible for violations must be held accountable. That is non-negotiable. The conflict in the Sudan has led to significant security, economic and humanitarian consequences for South Sudan. It has forced more than 1 million to flee and seek refuge in South Sudan. Denmark commends the generosity of the host State and local communities. However, it is undeniable that this is an added pressure to a system that is already strained and stretched. In that regard, we also express our concern at the recent unrest in Juba. We call for calm and for accountability for the attacks. In conclusion, Denmark is firmly committed to supporting the efforts of the Government and the people of South Sudan in achieving lasting peace. We fully support the mandate of UNMISS, and we urge the Government to fully cooperate with the Mission and enable it to operate without restrictions. At this critical juncture,

At the outset, I would like to join other colleagues in congratulating China as it takes on this important responsibility for the month. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom and Chairperson Guitai for their comprehensive briefings. I also thank Executive Director Yakani for his valuable insights and welcome the participation of the representative of South Sudan. South Sudan’s transitional period has been extended until February 2027, but we should not assume that sufficient time remains to address the outstanding challenges. The Security Council must act urgently to support and urge the timely implementation of the outstanding tasks of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. I would like to highlight three points in that regard. First, we need to accelerate the implementation of the political transition measures under the Revitalized Agreement. We remain deeply concerned about the limited progress in implementing governance and political transition measures. The extended transition period must be effectively utilized to advance the constitutional process and establish clear electoral parameters, including the electoral format and voter registration. We urge all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue with urgency and a spirit of compromise to ensure tangible progress towards free, fair and peaceful elections. The Government of South Sudan must allocate adequate financial resources to support the process. Expanding political and civic space and fostering an inclusive transition remain essential. We reaffirm our support for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in promoting the meaningful participation of women and youth in the electoral and governance process. Secondly, there is a need to address persistent intercommunal conflict and achieve reconciliation. The ongoing subnational violence, largely fuelled by cattle raids and cyclical retaliatory attacks, as recently witnessed in Eastern Equatoria state, remains a serious challenge. Further delays in implementing the transitional security arrangements only exacerbate those security concerns. The Government must expedite the training and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces and finalize an agreement on the middle command structure. Equally essential is fostering reconciliation with non-signatories to the Revitalized Agreement. We urge all parties to engage in good faith in the Tumaini Initiative and commit to peaceful coexistence. We commend Kenya’s leadership in that effort and encourage the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan to continue playing a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation. Thirdly, it is important to tackle the economic and humanitarian challenges. We welcome the announcement of the resumption of oil production in South Sudan in January and expect it to ease economic difficulties amid rising inflation and currency depreciation. At the same time, the humanitarian crisis has worsened owing to the continued influx of displaced persons from the Sudan, now exceeding 1 million, and the ongoing impact of climate-induced flooding. We encourage the Government to ensure transparent and effective budget allocation to meet those essential needs of its people. We also underscore the importance of increased international support in addressing the root causes of the crisis. In that regard, we commend the support from the Peacebuilding Fund in strengthening national institutions and fostering inclusive governance. The Republic of Korea remains committed to supporting those efforts, including through its partnership with the World Food Programme. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of UNMISS personnel and, as an UNMISS troop-contributing country, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to

At the outset, I would like to congratulate the People’s Republic of China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of February. Mr. President, please count on our full support during your presidency. We would also like to commend Algeria for its very able and skilful guidance of the Council during the month of January. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Nicholas Haysom, retired Major General Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), and Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, for their briefings. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan in this meeting. South Sudan continues to grapple with significant crises resulting from a dire humanitarian situation, declining oil revenues, attacks by armed groups, intercommunal violence, the influx of refugees and returnees from the Sudan, cholera outbreaks and adverse climate events, such as the recent extensive flooding. We acknowledge the progress made in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, including the reconstitution of the RJMEC, the passage of key legislation, such as the Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Act and the Compensation and Reparations Authority Act, and the establishment of the National Constitutional Review Commission and the National Elections Commission. While respecting South Sudan’s sovereignty, we note with concern the slow progress in developing a clear, actionable and financially backed road map to complete outstanding tasks, including the unification of forces, transitional security arrangements and the constitution-making process. We have also noted the decision on the fourth extension of the transition period by a further two years, with elections rescheduled to take place in December 2026. We understand that there is no desire to further delay the elections. We encourage the South Sudan Government to use the two-year extension to move towards a credible path towards elections. We express our full support for the Tumaini Initiative process and commend the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for their continued engagement with non-signatories of the Revitalized Agreement in the collective dialogue to maintain the opportunity for inclusion and confidence-building measures. We greatly appreciate the sacrifices and efforts of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeepers aimed at consolidating peace, stability, development and nation-building in South Sudan. We encourage the South Sudanese Government to cooperate fully with UNMISS in the performance of its mandate and to meet its operational needs. The deployment request by UNMISS to the South Sudanese Government to reinforce its ranks has been pending. The request by the South Sudanese Government for the partial vacation of UNMISS headquarters is also concerning and entails significant costs and logistical challenges. UNMISS has been instrumental in supporting the Government in electoral preparations, capacity-building, community violence reduction by conducting more than 15,000 patrols, assistance with mobile courts and efforts to address human rights violations, coordinate flood response efforts, clear explosive ordnance, provide security for aid delivery and, most importantly, protect civilians. We believe that those are important tasks that are being performed by UNMISS until South Sudan’s transition is completed. Allow me to conclude by reaffirming Pakistan’s support for UNMISS and its mandated tasks in support of the people and the Government of South Sudan. I thank Special Representative Haysom, Major General Gituai and Mr. Yakani for their briefings. I welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan in today’s meeting. In the light of the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/54), we have just engaged in a constructive discussion and put forward a number of views and recommendations on the situation of and challenges facing South Sudan in the political, economic, security and humanitarian fields. China believes that the international community should continue to provide support to South Sudan in the following three areas. First, the political transition must be advanced in an orderly manner. The political process in South Sudan is about to enter a new transition period. China appreciates the determination and willingness of the Government of South Sudan to implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and welcomes the positive steps taken by South Sudan to prepare for the general elections. We note the resumption of the Tumaini Initiative process and call on all parties in South Sudan to continue to bridge their differences through dialogue, in the overall interests of the country. On the issue of political transition, haste makes waste. The international community should genuinely respect South Sudan’s sovereignty and ownership, take into full consideration its actual national conditions and demonstrate sufficient tolerance and patience. Secondly, peace and stability in the country must be maintained. Recently, several security incidents, including intercommunal clashes, have occurred in Eastern Equatoria, Warrap and other states. China encourages the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to increase its support for the Government of South Sudan in promoting intercommunal dialogue and reconciliation. The international community should help the Government of South Sudan to better assume its primary responsibility for maintaining peace and protecting civilians. Sanctions, such as the arms embargo, are constraining the security capacity-building of South Sudan and should be adjusted or lifted as soon as possible. Thirdly, humanitarian challenges must be addressed. The continued spillover of the conflict in the Sudan and the influx of more than 1 million displaced persons and returnees into South Sudan, coupled with increased food insecurity and the spread of infectious diseases, have exacerbated the already fragile economic and humanitarian situation. The international community should step up its support to help to improve humanitarian response capacity, while avoiding attaching political conditions to assistance. China has recently provided batches of food and medical supplies to South Sudan, and we will continue to do our utmost to help South Sudan to meet its humanitarian challenges. Prior to today’s meeting, taking advantage of virtual reality technology, we conducted an on-the-ground inspection of the work of UNMISS, during which we were also pleased to catch a glimpse China’s own Blue Helmets. Recently, a new batch of Chinese peacekeepers for South Sudan have successfully completed their rotation and handover. I trust that they will, as always, fulfil their duties and responsibilities and carry out their mission. Special Representative Haysom has led UNMISS in overcoming challenges and has performed his duties in a stellar manner. China wishes to recognize that performance. We stand ready to work with the international community to continue to make positive contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in South Sudan. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of South Sudan. We thank the Security Council for its continued engagement, and we look forward to discussions that will support and move our country forward. Please be assured that the Government of South Sudan reaffirms its commitment to the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and the road map that will guide our nation towards a sustainable peace and democratic governance. We recognize the concerns raised regarding delays in the transition process and assure the Council that every effort is being made to accelerate the key milestones, in particular the preparations for free, fair and credible elections. We acknowledge the challenges faced by the election-related bodies and reaffirm our commitment to providing the necessary funding and institutional support to advance the electoral process in our country. The Government has been taking significant steps towards the drafting of a permanent constitution that will reflect the aspirations of the people of South Sudan and lay the foundation for a stable, democratic future. The deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces remains a priority, and we are working to overcome the logistical and financial challenges to complete the second phase of training and deployment. South Sudan remains committed to an inclusive peace process, and we welcome the efforts under the Tumaini Peace Initiative to engage holdout groups. However, we encourage all parties and international partners to use the Tumaini Initiative, in line with the Revitalized Peace Agreement, instead of taking it as a parallel process that could further complicate the peace road map. The Government strongly condemns all acts of violence that threaten the stability of our nation or anybody that resides within it, and we are actively working to de-escalate tensions and strengthen mechanisms to prevent intercommunal violence and ensure civilian protection. We call on our regional and international partners to support our efforts in community reconciliation. South Sudan also remains gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Sudan and its impact on our people and national security. As stated by our Minister for Foreign Affairs when he addressed the Security Council last month, under Algeria’s leadership (see S/PV.9842), we condemn the killing of South Sudanese individuals in the Sudan and call for accountability. It is worth noting that videos that have surfaced show that those heartless killings were incited by the claim made by General Yassir Al-Atta, assistant to the Commander-in-Chief, when he addressed his soldiers, that 65 per cent of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are South Sudanese. As the Council will recall, South Sudan has consistently urged the Sudan to cease its support for and harbouring of rebels who actively destabilize security efforts in South Sudan. That plea has gone unanswered, and the current situation has exacerbated tensions by involving innocent civilians labelled as members of the RSF. Those individuals were brutally slaughtered, not killed in action. Despite the anger and raw emotions provoked by that atrocity, the Government continues to urge our citizens to refrain from reprisal attacks. We welcome the recent visit of the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan and reaffirm our commitment to working closely with our regional and international partners to safeguard the gains made in our peace process, and we look forward to further engagement at the upcoming AU summit in Addis Ababa to strengthen cooperation on peace and security. We also would like to extend our gratitude to the United Nations, AU, United Nations Mission in South Sudan, IGAD and international organizations that continue to partner with us on our path to peace. Without the work of its international humanitarian partners, South Sudan would not be able to continue on the path towards the end of the transition period. In conclusion, we remain steadfast in pursuing peace, security and development. We call upon the United Nations and all partners to continue their invaluable support as we navigate this critical transitional period. While challenges remain, our commitment to a peaceful and democratic South Sudan is unwavering.