Statement delivered by H.E. Micheal Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council briefing on 'Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan'

Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+ namely, Algeria, Guyana, Mozambique and my country, Sierra Leone. 

We take note of the comprehensive report of the Secretary- General on the situation in South Sudan, and the updates on the implementation of the mandate of UNMISS. 

We thank Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, for his informative briefings, and we take note of the information provided by Ms. Merekaje Lorna, Secretary General of South Sudan Democratic Engagement Monitoring and Observation Programme. We welcome the participation of the representative of South Sudan to this meeting.

Mr. President,

The A3+commends the leadership of the Government of South Sudan for its sustained effort in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement as part of its efforts to consolidate the gains for durable peace and stability in the country. 

The strides made by the government are illustrated by the decision of the cabinet to establish the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission. The passage of the Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Bill, and the Compensation and Reparations Authority Bill as well as the ratification of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, all steps in the right direction. The A3+ looks forward to the ratification of the local legislation and their subsequent implementation.

We take note of the consensus decision reached by the relevant parties to the Revitalized Agreement to extend the transition period by two years, with elections rescheduled to take place in February 2027. The A3+ affirms the need for renewed and sustained measures that would ensure that the new extension is used to deliver an acceptable electoral process that ensure the democratic aspirations of the South Sudanese people are met in 2027. 

In this regard, it is important that appropriate actions are taken during this period to ensure that the key provisions of the Revitalized Agreement which have the potential to consolidate peace, entrench human rights protections, and transform the country, are implemented. Timely achievement of the benchmarks in the transitional implementation period to facilitate the conduct of free, fair and credible elections requires adequate and predictable financing, with sustained political commitment and the dedication of all parties in South Sudan. 

South Sudan continues to grapple with a significant economic crisis resulting from declining State revenues from oil export disruptions, a dire humanitarian situation, the influx of refugees and returnees, and adverse climate events such as extensive flooding. All of these factors have adversely impacted the implementation of the key benchmarks. It is, therefore, imperative that the international community, including international financial institutions and development partners continue providing critical logistical and technical Support, capacity building and financial assistance to the Government of South Sudan. Such support is critical for developing an enabling environment to achieve the key benchmarks within the extended two years framework. This will allow for the holding of credible elections and ensure that the country does not relapse into another vicious cycle of violence.

The A3+ takes this opportunity to commend the efforts of UNMISS, the African Union High-Level Ad hoc Committee on South Sudan, also known as the C5, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Government of Kenya, for their continued engagement with non-signatory actors in the collective dialogue to maintain the opportunity for inclusion and confidence building measures. 

Mr. President, 

The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for South Sudan which calls for $1.8 billion (United States Dollars) to assist targeted vulnerable people across South Sudan, is a little more than halfway funded. This is a notable shortfall given the scale of the humanitarian crisis. The acute food insecurity, floods and other climate shocks, spread of diseases, and the influx of over 830,000 refugees and returnees from Sudan have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis across the country. We call on donor partners and the United Nations systems to scale up efforts to alleviate the suffering of the South Sudanese people. 

On the security front, the A3+ is alarmed by rising inter-communal violence that is already forcing internally displaced people to relocate to neighboring communities in search of safety.  We therefore implore all actors to remain steadfast and committed to the Revitalized Agreement and further call on non-signatory parties to demonstrate their full commitment to the stability of South Sudan. 

We believe that the successful conduct of elections in South Sudan is principally contingent on providing the suitable security environment in the country to ensure the safety and impartial participation of all parties in the political process. We further emphasize the need for concrete actions to be taken by the government and all stakeholders to contain inter-communal and political violence across the country. 

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is reported as one of the key manifestations of human rights violations against women and girls in South Sudan and remains a critical threat to the protection and well-being of women and girls. Despite the conclusion of the Revitalized Agreement and various efforts by both international and national stakeholders, these violations persist with impunity. The perpetrators of this type of violence must be held accountable for their actions. The A3+ reiterates its support to UNMISS in their efforts to monitor, verify, document and report on SGBV incidences in South Sudan to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable at the appropriate time in the country’s political transition. 

In conclusion, Mr. President, we acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the SRSG, the UNMISS team, AU, IGAD, Humanitarian organizations, and international partners in their contribution to the pursuit of peace and stability for the people of South Sudan. We reiterate the call to explore all practical and realistic avenues to ensure that the country’s peacebuilding and fledgling democratic process remains on course.

I thank you.