JUBA—The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Tuesday called on South Sudan’s political leaders to engage in inclusive dialogue to peacefully resolve political differences in a bid to restore peace and stability.
Speaking at a press briefing in Juba on Tuesday, Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through open and constructive dialogue involving all stakeholders.
“Ultimately, lasting progress will depend on the willingness of the parties to engage in inclusive dialogue and reach political compromise and their belief in a vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous South Sudan where no one is left behind,” Kiki said.
Kiki, who doubles as head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), urged all parties to adhere to the permanent ceasefire arrangements.
“We believe that this framework, moving forward, inclusive dialogue that brings all parties to the table, is what will take us to the end of this transition,” she said.
“In this context, a cessation of hostilities and renewed commitment to implementing the Peace Agreement in both letter and spirit are urgently needed to restore public confidence and sustain progress.”
She said the UN will help create space for leaders to fulfill the promise of peace they made to their citizens.
“We are clear: This is a South Sudan-owned peace process, and it must remain so. We are not seeking to impose external milestones on the Parties,” she said.
“The UN—your partner of choice—is here to help create space for leaders to fulfill the promise of peace they made to their citizens.”
She said the mission resolved to retain its peacekeepers in Jonglei State amid rising conflict in Akobo County, an SPLM-IO stronghold.
“However, given the security situation in Jonglei as well as rising conflict in Akobo itself, we decided to retain our peacekeepers until we were confident that our political engagements had taken hold,” she said.
Kiki said UN peacekeepers will remain in Akobo County until tensions subside, civilians are no longer at imminent risk of harm, and conditions are conducive for humanitarian partners to provide support to affected communities.
“Today, as displaced people begin returning to Akobo, our peacekeepers are helping to provide a much-needed protective environment that enables UN agencies, funds, and programs and NGOs to scale up critical assistance,” she said.
“This is taking place amid significant financial constraints affecting the UN system, yet our guiding principle remains clear: people must come first.”
She said the mission will continue to rely on the full cooperation of host authorities to ensure the safe and unhindered movement of both UN personnel and humanitarian partners across the country.
