14 December 2023
Thank you, President,
I thank SRSG Haysom for his comprehensive briefing and thank Ambassador Biang for his briefing on as the Chair of 2206 Committee. We welcome the presence of South Sudan to this meeting.
South Sudan is at a critical moment with its first national elections due to take place this time next year. The limited progress on the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and the Roadmap, raises concerns about the necessary preconditions to hold free, fair, and credible elections.
Allow me to focus on three areas:
Firstly, we welcome some steps taken to advance the legal framework of elections, including the establishment of the National Elections Commission and the adoption of the National Elections Act. Despite these efforts, key provisions are still lacking including a permanent constitution, operationalisation of electoral institutions, and the type of elections South Sudan intends to hold. The shrinking of civil and political space is concerning, posing an obstacle to the democratic process.
We echo the Secretary-General’s call for South Sudan leaders to agree on a way forward and overcome their differences. The Government must focus on implementing the priority measures outlined by the AU, IGAD and the UNMISS to enable the elections to take place as scheduled.
Secondly, the security and political tensions across the country raise concerns about a resurge of violence during elections. It is critical the Government finalises the transitional security arrangements, including the completion of the unification of forces and the development of the national police force. This will strengthen the protection of civilians and ensure safe elections.
We condemn the restrictions placed on UNMISS affecting ground patrols. And call on the Government to respect the SOFA agreement and allow the mission to fully implement its mandate.
Thirdly, the humanitarian crisis is set to deteriorate in 2024. The influx of over 440,000 returnees and refugees from the conflict in Sudan has hindered an already fragile economic and humanitarian situation. The Government must step up its efforts and provide durable and holistic solutions to the chronic humanitarian crisis that has been raging in South Sudan.
The protection of civilians remains a concern, with incidents of sexual and gender based violence continuing to be committed by security forces, armed groups and community-based militia.
We take note of the UNMISS Protection of Civilians independent assessment and encourage the implementation of its recommendations. UNMISS has played a critical role in POC, including providing physical protection to over 40,000 IDPs in Malakal and the Upper Nile State.
President, this is the last time Albania will speak as non-permanent member of the Security Council on South Sudan. The last two years have been marred by limited political will and commitment to advancing critical benchmarks and setting the country on the right path for its first elections. We urge South Sudanese leaders to unite and overcome political disagreement to facilitate democratic elections, and deliver on the aspirations of its people.
Thank you.
