By Matik Kueth
The United Nations Undersecretary-General for peace and operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, urged all parties to the revitalized peace agreement to reach a consensus and prepare for the December 2026 elections, emphasizing the need to resolve political deadlocks.
While addressing a press conference in Juba on Monday, Lacroix called on the South Sudanese leaders to persist in their efforts to fully implement the revitalized peace agreement and prepare for the urgent task of holding elections.
He underscored the UN’s unwavering commitment to South Sudan as it embarks on its fourth extension of the transitional period.
“Our main contributors have constraints on their public finances, and we are on the one hand committed to continuing the advocacy in support of South Sudan, but definitely that will require the partnership of all, including the authorities of South Sudan, so that we can have an effective advocacy in terms of the resources that are needed to support South Sudan. Particularly our hope that the parties to the revitalized agreement will break political deadlocks through consensus and move forward swiftly to ensure the latest extension leads to elections under the best possible circumstances. Completing a peaceful democratic transition is a common goal between South Sudan and the international community, and certainly it’s a goal that we share.” Lacroix said.
Lacroix visited South Sudan on Saturday with the purpose to discuss issues including peace, development, and security.
He stressed the significance of his trip, noting that, “The key purpose of my visit was to convey an important message – the continued support and commitment of the entire UN family to South Sudan, especially as it enters the fourth extension of its transitional period.”
However, as the situation in South Sudan remains fraught with challenges, Lacroix acknowledged the dire economic and humanitarian conditions facing the South Sudanese people, coupled with a rising tide of insecurity at the local level.
“we’ve seen occurrence of violence in various parts of the country, which are obviously of concern. There is also the impact of the Sudanese conflict on South Sudan, both in terms of the number of IDPs, the number of refugees, returnees, the impact on the economy, the potential impact on security in South Sudan. So obviously, the conflict in South Sudan is adding to the already existing domestic challenges of South Sudan,” he stressed.
The UN peace operation chief further underlined the urgent need for humanitarian aid as the globe struggles with many crises at the same time.
Nicolas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, echoed Lacroix’s sentiments, urging South Sudanese leaders to prioritize the preparations needed for elections before time runs out.
Nicolas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS [Photo – Courtesy]
Haysom expressed concerns over the trajectory of violence that has increasingly taken on political dimensions, pointing out that the UN’s the support of the UN is essential in steering the nation away from conflict.
On February 22, 2023, South Sudan commenced its latest transitional extension, a pivotal period as the nation gears up for its first elections slated for December 2026.
However, this optimism is tempered by harsh realities: a faltering economy, humanitarian crises, and growing insecurity threaten society as a whole, with opposition groups frequently engaged in combat in Western Equatoria State and intercommunal conflicts.