Urgent Calls for Progress in South Sudan’s Extended Transitional Period
South Sudan is in an extended transitional phase with a deadline of February 2027 to fulfill the commitments of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Key reforms are necessary, as significant challenges remain prior to elections scheduled for December 2026. Humanitarian needs are escalating, with over 9.3 million people requiring assistance as the government grapples with economic crises and operational constraints for UN peacekeepers.
As South Sudan enters an “extended transitional period,” the United Nations’ top envoy has highlighted the urgency of fulfilling commitments outlined in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. Despite several extensions and a new deadline set for February 2027, crucial political, security, and governance benchmarks remain unmet, necessitating immediate action from the country’s leadership to ensure the planned elections in December 2026 proceed as scheduled.
Nicolas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, emphasized during a Security Council briefing that citizens are eager for leaders to concentrate on the peace agreement’s benchmarks. “There is a strong desire for the leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement – without further delay,” he stated, urging leaders to implement reforms in security, electoral preparations, and judicial processes without procrastination.
Despite some advancements, substantial challenges continue to impede progress, particularly in relation to the upcoming elections. Key conditions such as the deployment of unified security forces, voter education initiatives, and the establishment of a code of conduct among political entities have not been satisfied yet. Mr. Haysom pointed out, “We have not yet seen the previously promised harmonized workplan with an operational timetable for elections,” signifying ongoing delays in government actions.
The humanitarian crisis exacerbates the already precarious situation, with over 9.3 million individuals requiring assistance, and the influx of more than one million Sudanese refugees. Economic conditions are deteriorating, marked by soaring inflation, doubled food prices, and prolonged non-payment of government salaries. Mr. Haysom reported that health conditions are alarming, with severe cholera outbreaks affecting remote areas after last year’s floods.
UNMISS, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, faces operational limitations due to government requests that have imposed logistical challenges. Restrictions on the movement of peacekeepers hinder their ability to provide support. Mr. Haysom highlighted the need for adequate funding, estimating that $1.7 billion is required to fulfill urgent humanitarian needs this year.
The Revitalized Peace Agreement, established in 2018 to bring an end to prolonged conflicts in South Sudan, incorporated a three-year timeline for the transition to a democratic government, including elections. Multiple extensions to this timeline have happened, with the latest being until February 2027. The UN has been closely monitoring this situation, as the citizens of South Sudan continue to demand progress amid significant political, security, and humanitarian challenges.
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious as the country navigates an extended transitional period towards democratic governance. Urgent action on political reforms and security sector management is imperative, especially with elections slated for December 2026. The humanitarian crisis, compounded by economic turmoil and operational challenges for UN peacekeepers, underscores the need for continued international support and commitment.
Original Source: news.un.org
