JUBA — South Sudan has rejected the latest report by the United Nations Secretary-General, accusing it of containing inaccurate information and presenting an unbalanced assessment of the country’s security situation and progress in implementing the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Speaking before the UN Security Council on Wednesday, South Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Sabino Edward Nyawella Amaikwey, said the UN reports should be based on “verified facts and balanced analysis” rather than predictions or information from sources whose objectivity could be questioned.
“Precision in language promotes accountability and informed decision-making,” Ambassador Nyawella told the Council on Wednesday.
Nyawella argued that the report failed to adequately acknowledge the progress made under the peace agreement while placing disproportionate emphasis on security challenges and political tensions.
“The temporary absence of certain leaders – whether by choice or because they are subject to legal processes – cannot indefinitely suspend implementation of an agreement intended to benefit the entire nation,” he said.
He added that all parties to the agreement continue to be represented through their designated members, insisting that South Sudan remains committed to the rule of law.
While Juba defended its position, several members of the Security Council painted a worrying picture of the security situation in South Sudan.
The United States said conflict continues to deny South Sudanese the peace they hoped for after independence, citing UNMISS figures showing that 418 people were killed, 400 injured, 122 abducted, and more than 420,000 displaced between April and July this year.
Washington also criticized restrictions placed on the UN peacekeepers, saying UNMISS recorded 86 violations of the Status of Forces Agreement, with most involving government-imposed movement restrictions.
The US urged South Sudan’s leaders to end the violence, resume genuine dialogue among signatories to the peace agreement, and fully cooperate with UNMISS.
The United Kingdom also called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to return to political dialogue.
British Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Kate Foster said elections should reinforce peace rather than fuel tensions, stressing that they must be credible, peaceful, and inclusive.
She also expressed concern that only 2% of South Sudan’s national budget is allocated to health and education, warning that the looming threat of Ebola underscores the urgent need for stronger investment in essential public services.
China welcomed the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces’ (SSPDF) unilateral declaration of a cessation of hostilities and stressed that the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers remains a “red line” under international humanitarian law.
Russia said South Sudan needs practical assistance rather than criticism, arguing that decisions on implementing the peace agreement should largely remain in the hands of the government in Juba.
Pakistan, meanwhile, called for the UNMISS to be strengthened, noting that the mission currently has 9,176 troops, well below its authorized strength of 12,500 personnel.
It said fully deploying the mission’s authorized troop ceiling would improve its ability to protect civilians and respond to growing security challenges.
The Security Council meeting followed a briefing by the UN Special Representative and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, who warned that South Sudan’s peace agreement remains under severe strain amid renewed fighting, rising political tensions, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement ended years of civil war and is intended to pave the way for South Sudan’s first post-independence elections.
However, repeated delays, political disagreements, and insecurity continue to slow its implementation.
