I want to welcome SRSG Haysom to his first briefing on UNMISS and also thank Mr. Rajab Mohandis for his presentation. I welcome the participation of Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal of South Sudan at this meeting.
In two and a half weeks, South Sudan will be celebrating its 10th anniversary as a republic. We have seen some positive developments over the years, but there is still a long way to go to create a safe and stable environment for the South Sudanese. We commend the reconstitution of the National Legislative Assembly and we duly hope that every change towards implementing the peace agreement will not simply be on paper, but will also be operationalized. Sadly we are still falling short of the 35 per cent quota for women’s participation in the public sector, which has been agreed upon before.
It is worrisome that too many political developments have been delayed over the past years, including most recently the elections that should have taken place in 2022, but are now postponed to 2023. Free, fair and peaceful elections are essential for the peaceful future of the country. In light of the upcoming elections, it is also necessary that activists and human rights defenders can operate freely in South Sudan, not fearing for their lives.
We call for the Government and the African Union to finalize the draft statute and the memorandum of understanding, for the hybrid courts to be operationalized.
On the positive side, we are encouraged to see that the ceasefire continues to hold largely. However, localized violence has been rising in many parts of the country. Estonia is very concerned about the extrajudicial executions carried out in Warrap state at the instruction of the Governor. This sends a backwards signal about accountability in South Sudan. We call on the government to investigate these killings and we call them to do it in compliance with its international obligations under international human rights law.
Community-based militias are continuing their violent manoeuvres in Jonglei, killing individuals, looting and destroying properties. The cycle of violence cannot stop if the government will not bring the perpetrators to justice. This is necessary to end impunity and enhance the accountability. Otherwise, we risk rolling back the few gains South Sudan has achieved so far.
The SOFA violations grew by almost three times, compared to the previous reporting period. This hinders UNMISS’ personnel work and leaves civilians without much needed help and protection.
I want to bring the attention to the humanitarian situation. South Sudan is facing its highest levels of food insecurity and malnutrition since independence. Around 60% of the population is likely to face acute food insecurity. Humanitarian access continues to be challenging due to the resurgence of armed conflict in some parts of the country and the attacks on humanitarian workers. Last month, at least two aid workers were killed. We strongly condemn the attacks on clearly marked humanitarian vehicles – it is unacceptable.
To conclude, I want to thank Nicholas Haysom and UNMISS for their valuable work during the pandemic in South Sudan. I also want to convey my best wishes for the Republic of South Sudan for its upcoming 10th anniversary!
