A3+ statement delivered by His Excellency Dr. Michael Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations at the United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in South Sudan
Mr. President,
1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+ members, namely Algeria, Guyana, Somalia, and my own country, Sierra Leone.
2. We 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 Ms. Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), for their important and timely briefings.
3. We also take note of the valuable contribution of Ms. Jackline Nasiwa, Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice.
4. We welcome the participation of the representative of South Sudan in today’s meeting.
Mr. President,
5. The A3+ expresses deep concern over the recent developments that have led to the deterioration of the political and security situation in South Sudan. The reported fractures within the national unity government, including the detention of senior officials such as the First Vice President and cabinet ministers, risk undermining the conducive environment necessary for sustaining peace. We urge the South Sudanese authorities and relevant stakeholders to place the interests of the people above all else and to prioritize the consolidation of the hard-won gains, anchored in national cohesion and trust, as envisaged in the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
6. Recognizing the importance of collective responsibility, we encourage the leadership of South Sudan to engage in inclusive and direct political dialogue to resolve their differences. It is imperative that all actions be undertaken in line with the provisions of the Revitalized Peace Agreement to preserve the political and security stability that had been achieved. We call on all parties to refrain from acts that could undermine the agreement and to take urgent steps to ensure the protection of civilians. We commend the critical role of UNMISS in supporting these efforts.
7. The A3+ underscores the importance of regional initiatives in de-escalating tensions and promoting durable peace in South Sudan. In this regard, we reaffirm our support for the continued engagement of the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in facilitating dialogue among the parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement and other key stakeholders. We welcome the efforts of the AU, including the recent visit of the AU Panel of the Wise to South Sudan, aimed at fostering national dialogue. We urge the authorities to ensure meaningful engagement with regional actors and to leverage these efforts for a peaceful resolution.
8. We also call on neighbouring countries and other actors with influence to act constructively in support of the peace process and refrain from any actions that may further exacerbate tensions.
Mr. President,
9. The A3+ strongly condemns the attack on the UN helicopters during an evacuation mission on 7 March, which tragically resulted in the death of one UN crew member and serious injuries to two others, along with the killing of 28 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers, including a General. We urge the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity to conduct a swift, credible, and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure accountability. Attacks against UN personnel may constitute war crimes and must not go unpunished.
10. We remind all parties of their obligations under international law to protect civilians. Reports of aerial bombardments in densely populated areas constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and breach the permanent ceasefire provisions of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Such actions are detrimental to the peace process and must cease immediately.
11. The A3+ remains gravely concerned about continuing reports of conflict-related sexual violence, including against children, inter-communal violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers by various armed groups. We call on the Government of South Sudan to strengthen the national legal framework and allocate adequate resources to enhance the capacity of the judiciary and law enforcement to prosecute such crimes. We call for international support for these efforts.
Mr. President,
12. South Sudan stands at a critical juncture in its journey as an independent nation. The leadership must ensure that the revised electoral roadmap toward elections in December 2026 remains on course. This milestone can only be reached if bold political choices are made, and the necessary political will and resources are committed to supporting the institutions responsible for delivering credible elections.
13. In this regard, the A3+ welcomes the AU Commission’s efforts to prioritize electoral support through the AU Peace Fund. We further appeal to the international community and Member States to mobilize the resources required to facilitate credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in 2026. This includes enabling civic space, supporting constitutional and census processes, and strengthening cooperation with UNMISS to ensure effective implementation.
14. We urge the leadership of South Sudan to take urgent steps to build trust and confidence among all stakeholders and expedite the deployment of the necessary Unified Forces. This is essential for sustaining momentum in the political process, particularly in advancing the electoral roadmap. The people of South Sudan have endured immense suffering, and we must ensure that their calls for peace, unity, and democratic participation are met with action and resolve.
I thank you.
