By Matik Kueth
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicolas Haysom, underlined the necessity of proven political will and action on security sector reforms as South Sudanese leaders prepare for the December 2026 elections.
Haysom made this appeal during a meeting with First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny in Juba on Friday, stressing the need for creating a conducive climate for democratic processes.
The UNMISS chief’s remark chimed with South Sudan’s immediate challenges, which include persistent insecurity, a raging humanitarian catastrophe, and managing the surge of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
He underlined the necessity of following resolutions from the recent Governor’s Forum, which intended to improve civic and political spaces around the country.
Haysom commended Dr. Machar for his leadership during the Governor’s Forum and emphasized the importance of continuing the dialogue to boost peacebuilding activities in South Sudan.
However, highlighting the SPLM-IO’s role in advocating for the inclusion of hold-out groups in the revitalized government, Dr. Machar assured the UNMISS chief of the government’s commitment to stabilizing regions experiencing unrest, particularly in Jonglei State.
He acknowledged the complexities surrounding the Sudanese conflict but maintained that the resolution should be pursued through diplomatic channels rather than armed conflict.
On December 11th, 2024, President Kiir emphasized the urgent need for revising and enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces amid persistent security challenges in the country
He urged top military and security officials to engage proactively in ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening national defense.
“The resources allocated to the armed forces should be put to good use, and the welfare of our men and women in uniform attended to,” Kiir stated, recognizing that a well-supported military is critical for maintaining stability and addressing the complex security landscape in South Sudan.
The government’s drive for security reforms is part of a larger plan to stabilize the nation, boost military effectiveness, and guarantee that resources go directly to soldiers, which will boost morale and operational efficacy.
The focus of South Sudan’s election preparations remains on supporting stability, unity, and adherence to democratic values among its leaders and its citizens.