UNSC Open Briefing and Closed Consultations on UNMISS [South Sudan]

[Monday, 7 March 2022; 1000 hrs EST]

Madam 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 also thank other briefers, Interim Chairperson of Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission of IGAD, Maj General Charles Gituai and Civil Society activist Ms. Riya Yuyada for their updates. I also welcome the presence of Permanent Representative of South Sudan in today’s meeting.

2. Last month marked the two-year anniversary of the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity. Since our last meeting, the ceasefire has continued to hold; the state legislatures have been reconstituted, and the screening of the first batch of trained Unified Forces has been completed. The Constitutional Amendment Bill has been passed in the National Assembly. Furthermore, President Salva Kiir, has also reiterated his commitment to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.

3. The regional efforts to assist South Sudan are also gearing up, including the proposed initiative of holding a retreat by Uganda. The African Union Peace and Security Council also held a meeting in January this year and requested for a trilateral evaluation of the electoral and Constitution drafting requirements. All these developments reflect the positive trajectory of progress in South Sudan.

4. In the coming days, focus should be on further expediting the implementation of the Agreement, particularly graduation and unification of the Necessary Unified Forces, addressing legislative issues concerning election preparations. We hope the leadership of South Sudan will continue to take steps in the right direction. In this regard, we welcome the efforts of holding talks between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar and hope that it will help to resolve outstanding issues, including with regard to the electoral timetable. 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.

5. The security situation has remained tenuous in some regions of South Sudan. The inter-communal and intra-communal violence has continued. However, progress in the peace process, particularly South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) factions continuing the dialogue with Government has made impact on the ground. We hope the remaining non-signatory groups will also engage with the Government to enter the mainstream.

6. The humanitarian situation continues to remain a matter of concern. The 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan has had a significant deficit. The international community, including the UN, needs to step in to bridge the resource and capacity gaps faced by the government.

7. Regarding UNMISS mandate implementation, we have noted the improved communication between UNMISS and the Government. This development is showing positive impact on facilitation of Mission’s operations, which is evident from decrease in SOFA violations. We also take note of integrated and cross-Mission approach including setting up of Temporary Operational Bases and also welcome efforts being made by the Mission to promote accountability and mitigate inter-communal tensions.

8. We appreciate the Mission’s efforts to support Rule of Law and accountable institutions by supporting special Courts, mobile Courts and development of framework for victim and witness protection programmes. We also recall the provisions of Resolution 2589 and the responsibility of host state to bring perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers to justice. In this regard, we request an update from the Secretary General in his next report. We also appreciate the Mission’s efforts towards delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

9. India has been one of the largest Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to UNMISS since its establishment more than 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. It is matter of immense satisfaction that Level-II Plus hospital in Juba and Level-II hospital in Malakal operated by Indian contingent has been functioning at full capacity with high-grade capability.

10. At this transformative phase of its development journey, South Sudan requires the wholehearted support of the international community, including from the (Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), African Union (AU) and the UN. Our actions in the Council should encourage the authorities of South Sudan to move towards full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement. The Council also needs to be realistic and practical while setting out the mandate for the Mission.

11. India is cognizant of the enormous challenges South Sudan is confronted with in its path towards peace and stability. India has been rendering humanitarian assistance to South Sudan. It has supplied lifesaving essential medicines in 2020 and again in 2021 during the Covid pandemic. Food grain assistance of 70 MT was also provided to flood affected people. India is organizing an artificial limbs fitment camp, which will benefit over 500 amputees. India has also trained around 1000 South Sudanese nationals in different disciplines. India will continue to support South Sudan, and its people in their journey towards securing sustainable peace and a prosperous future.

I thank you.

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