UNMISS: A3+1 Statement

Thank you, Madam President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+1, comprising Kenya, Niger, Tunisia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

We take note of the Secretary General's comprehensive report and thank SRSG Nicholas Haysom, Ms Reena Ghelani of UNOCHA, and Madam Lorna Nanjia for their briefings. We acknowledge and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of South Sudan, our colleague Amb. Akuei Bona.

Madam President,

In the coming four days, South Sudan will be marking three years since the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. This will be on the backdrop of the celebrations of the country's 10th independence anniversary. The A3+1 wishes to congratulate the People of South Sudan on these momentous occasions which present an opportunity for national introspection that we hope would mark a turning point for decisive actions to end the armed conflicts.

The A3+1 commends the South Sudanese parties on the recent progress in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The inauguration of the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly and the Council of States; the unveiling of the taskforce to oversee and coordinate transitional justice and judicial reforms; the launch of the permanent constitution-making process, as well as the consultative process for the establishment of the Commission of Truth, Reconciliation and Healing are commendable positive steps.

It is our expectation that the new parliament will expeditiously enact the necessary legislation to further accelerate the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, as well as augment the ongoing efforts to improve governance, provide the much-needed public services and meaningfully deal with insecurity.

The A3+1 also welcomes the efforts made by the Parties towards the achievement of the agreed gender representation in governance institutions. We applaud the historic appointment of the first female speaker of South Sudan Parliament and encourage the parties to remain committed to the principle of inclusivity, through implementation of the agreed minimum of 35% quota for women participation as well as youth representation.

Despite the achievements, Madam President, A3+1 remains deeply concern over the reported incidences of continued armed violence in parts of South Sudan. The increasing inter-ethnic conflicts, the fighting among factions of the SPLM/A-In Opposition, as well as activities of non-signatory parties, constitute a violation of the cessation of hostilities and the permanent ceasefire. We find this unacceptable and reiterate our call on all the parties to immediately end the violence and recommit to cessation of hostilities and adherence to the permanent ceasefire.

The A3+1 notes with appreciation the swift action taken by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in response to the security situation in South Sudan. We welcome the outcomes of the 72nd and 73rd Extraordinary meetings of IGAD Council on Ministers held in June and August 2021, as well as the follow-up visit to Juba by the Prime Minister of Sudan and Chairperson of IGAD, H.E Abdalla Hamdok. We urge the Government and all parties to expeditiously implement the recommendations and decisions of IGAD without delay.

We also reiterate our call to the parties to put more efforts to accelerate the implementation of the agreed transitional security arrangements so as to minimize the opportunities for violence. This includes the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces, implementation of the DDR process, and the finalization of the Strategic Defense and Security Review (SDSR).

Our role as the Security Council and friends of South Sudan should be to encourage progress by extending the much needed diplomatic, technical, and financial support towards the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Madam President,

The reported dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan is concerning. But it is also encouraging that the Government continues to provide the required protection for the internally displaced and increasing returnees. We extend appreciation to all humanitarian agencies working in South Sudan for their assistance and urge international partners to continue to extend the much-needed humanitarian support to address the existing shortfalls. We further urge the government to take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety, protection and security of all humanitarian workers and agencies, and provide the necessary facilitation for safe and efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance to all those in need.

Finally, Madam President, the A-3+1 commends UNMISS for continuing to support the people of South Sudan to achieve peace and stability in their country. We note from the Secretary-General's report that the Mission continues to play its rightful role of providing critical protection, as well as technical assistance and capacity building to support the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

We call upon UNMISS leadership to fully utilize the provisions of Resolution 2567 to expand this noble work. We are also encouraged by the measures taken by the Government and UNMISS to improve coordination and communication that has seen significant reduction of incidences of infringement of the Status of Forces Agreements.

Finally, Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Kenya reiterate their appreciation for the continued efforts of all UN agencies, African Union, IGAD and all international partners in supporting the people of South Sudan on their journey towards sustainable peace, stability and prosperity.

I thank you for your kind attention