Arop Jonchol
Mr. Haysom briefed the Council on the rapid deterioration of the political and security situation in South Sudan, warning it threatens to undo recent peace gains. He expressed deep concern over:
- Escalating violence between the main parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, including military confrontations in Upper Nile.
- The attack on a UN helicopter in Nasir (March 7), which killed a UNMISS crew member and several South Sudanese personnel.
- Airstrikes, child recruitment, and forced displacement of over 80,000 people, with growing involvement of foreign forces (e.g., Ugandan troops).
- The detention of SPLM-IO officials, including First Vice President Riek Machar, further eroding trust.
- A dangerous increase in misinformation, hate speech, and ethnic tensions, evoking fears of a repeat of the 2013 and 2016 conflicts.
He called for urgent international and regional efforts to prevent a slide into full-scale war. He urged:
- Immediate de-escalation in Nasir through dialogue.
- Adherence to the ceasefire and reinvigoration of peace mechanisms.
- Release or due process for detained officials.
- Restraint and constructive dialogue between parties, prioritizing the people’s interests.
Humanitarian Outlook
- South Sudan faces its worst humanitarian crisis since independence, worsened by:
- Violence and conflict spillover from Sudan
- Economic collapse and extreme weather
- Cuts to international aid
- 9.3 million people need aid; 7.7 million are food insecure
- Cholera outbreak has claimed 877 lives
- Aid cuts have disrupted support for 1.1 million returnees and refugees from Sudan
UNMISS Efforts
- Reinforcing civilian protection, especially in IDP sites
- Increasing patrols and rapid response capabilities
- Enhancing conflict mitigation, in coordination with national authorities
- Supporting a long-term transition toward democracy through civic education and constitutional consultation
- Facing operational challenges, including access restrictions and a complex security landscape
UNMISS remains committed to its mandate, focused on:
- Civilian protection
- Humanitarian aid facilitation
- Peace agreement implementation
- Human rights monitoring
He emphasized the need for political will from South Sudan’s leadership to ensure credible democratic elections and called for the Council’s continued support, especially amid talks over the relocation of the UNMISS Tomping base.
Closing Message
Mr. Haysom warned of the serious and growing risk of renewed conflict, stressing that another war would be catastrophic for South Sudan and the region. The Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only path forward, and all efforts must urgently focus on implementing it and steering the country toward its first democratic elections.
