South Sudan: Important questions regarding political security - UNMISS Briefing | United Nations

Briefing by Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho, told the Security Council that “important questions remain to be addressed regarding the political security and institutional conditions necessary for credible peaceful and inclusive elections” in South Sudan. Gbeho said “we remain deeply concerned by ongoing armed confrontations” involving the South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in- Opposition (SPLA-IO), “particularly in Jonglei, as well as ongoing tensions in other parts of the country,” including Upper Nile, Unity, and to a lesser extent Western Bahr el Ghazal. She also expressed concerned at “the cycle of communal violence in places such as Warrap and Lakes States” where “civilians continue to pay the highest price.” Preparations for the December elections have been challenged by concerns about whether necessary conditions can be established in time. Opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar has remained in detention for close to a year. Gbeho said, “questions persist regarding political trust, civic and political space, security arrangements, financing, constituency boundaries and broader institutional preparedness.” Turning to humanitarian conditions, the Special Representative said, “despite facing enormous economic and humanitarian pressures, South Sudan has continued to keep its borders open to those fleeing the conflict in Sudan. This policy has provided protection and refuge to large numbers of vulnerable people and merits international support.” Gbeho, who is the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said, “we continue to advocate for dialogue, confidence-building measures and a reduction in violence. At the same time, persistent insecurity, humanitarian pressures and political tensions require constant adaptation. To remain fit for purpose, UNMISS is reviewing its structures, activities, staffing profile and operational posture, while strengthening early warning, mobility and responsiveness to emerging threats.”


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