General Assembly Security Council

UNSC Briefing/Closed Consultations on UN Mission in South Sudan
(UNMISS)
[Wednesday, 15 December 2021]

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Ambassador R. Ravindra

Deputy Permanent Representative 

 

Mr. President,

At the outset, let me thank SRSG Frank Haysom for his briefing on the implementation of the UNMISS mandate and recent developments in South Sudan. I thank Ms. Waffa Saeed, Director OCHA for her update on the humanitarian situation. I also thank Ambassador Hai Anh for presenting the report of the Chair of the 2206 Committee. Amb. Quy led the committee for last two years with distinction and conviction. I would like to put on record our appreciation to Amb. Quy.  I also welcome the presence of Representative of South Sudan in today’s meeting.

Mr. President,

2.    The last three months have seen notable progress in South Sudan. The Council of Ministers have reviewed and adopted the Constitution Making Process Bill. Now, the Transitional National Legislature Assembly (TNLA) has to consider the Bill. New members to TNLA have been appointed, as also the reconstitution of nine out of the ten state assemblies, barring Western Bahr el Ghazal. We welcome these developments. We hope that, in the coming months, TNLA will move forward with next critical steps, establishing of the specialized committees and to frame the legislations related to election preparation and constitution making process. We also note that during the reporting period, political violence has decreased and the parties have been by and large faithful to the Revitalized Agreement. It is also encouraging that economic situation has remained stable and economic activity has recovered across the country.

3.    A visit by the 2206 Committee under the Chairmanship of Vietnam to South Sudan last month provided an opportunity to better understand the ground situation in South Sudan.  South Sudan has clearly made positive progress in the last few years, evident also from increased economic activity in Juba. We continue to underscore that this Council must do all it can to promote and consolidate the progress made so far. The end goal, in keeping with the Revitalized Peace Agreement signed three years ago, remains the holding of  free, fair, and credible elections in the country. 

4.    On the security front, it is encouraging that the ceasefire continues to hold. The localized violence persists, though it has decreased by 53% compared to last year (2020). The persisting violence, however, underlines the importance of an early establishment of the Unified Command of the military and the graduation of the Necessary Unified Forces, which is a critical aspect of the Agreement. The implementation of the transitional security arrangements remains critical for the electoral process at the end of the transitional period.  So is the early resumption of the Rome mediation by the Sant Egidio Community with the non-signatories.  An early action on these aspects is important. 

5.    The humanitarian situation has been impacted by recent floods. The international community, including the UN, needs to step up to bridge the resource and capacity gaps faced by the government. The 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan has a shortfall of nearly 33 percent amounting to US$ 550 million.

6.     Regarding UNMISS mandate implementation, we have noted the improved communication between UNMISS and the Government. This development is having positive impact on facilitation of Mission’s operations, evident from decrease in SOFA violations.  We also take note of integrated and cross-Mission approach including setting up of Temporary Operational Bases. 

Mr. President,

7.    India has been one of the largest TCCs to UNMISS since its establishment a decade ago; at present we have nearly 2300 troops serving in the country. The Indian contingent in UNMISS is also contributing to sustainable development and welfare of the people of South Sudan. Computer training and veterinary assistance camps have been organized by the Indian Battalion during this month. 

8.    We believe, at this transformative phase, South Sudan requires the wholehearted support of the international community, including from the IGAD, AU and UN. On bilateral front, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Shri. V. Muraleedharan visited South Sudan on 20-22 October 2021. He held discussions with South Sudan’s leadership including the President and Foreign Minister on advancing bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment. India is committed to work with the Government of South Sudan in its quest for peace, progress and prosperity. 

I thank you.