UN urges South Sudan leaders to agree on elections roadmap

JUBA – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in a statement marking eleven years since independence has called on the country’s leaders to redouble their efforts and implement the remaining provisions of the revitalized peace agreement to enable elections.

Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Nicholas Haysom, who is also the head of UNMISS, said in a statement this morning that the world mission is committed to peace in the world’s youngest country.

“As South Sudan commemorates 11 years of independence, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reiterates its commitment to peace in the world’s newest nation,” he said.

“The journey out of civil war has not been easy and the upcoming months will be critical for South Sudan, as the transitional period approaches its end in February 2023,” he added.

He called on the leaders of South Sudan to redouble their efforts to agree on a road map for elections which should happen, according to the revitalized peace agreement, by February next year.

“Now is the time for national leaders to redouble their efforts to agree on a roadmap – with clear benchmarks, timelines, and priorities—to pave the way towards free, fair and credible elections,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for the country to celebrate its common values and to rally together for nation-building,” Haysom added.

He said “UNMISS continues to promote a safe and secure environment for civilians, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and to support the return of displaced families and refugees.

“Together, let us make peace gains irreversible and build the prosperous future to which all South Sudanese women, men and children aspire.”