A3 JOINT STATEMENT ON “REPORTS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN” -- UNMISS -

BY H.E. AMB. Lewis G. Brown II, Permanent Representative of Liberia

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Madam President, 1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3 namely, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and my own country, Liberia. We thank the briefers and welcome South Sudan and South Africa’s participation. 2. We reaffirm our support for South Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, and our solidarity with its Government and people. The transition faces a test of political trust. An election should give citizens confidence in their future, not new reasons to fear it. 3. We condemn the 24 August ambush in Jonglei that killed three UNMISS peacekeepers, extend our condolences and wish the injured a full recovery. We urge investigation and accountability, and welcome the conviction for the December 2025 murder of a UNMISS national staff member. 4. We take note of the caretaker administration and encourage dialogue and consensus. As reaffirmed in the 23 October AU–UN Councils’ joint communiqué, the Revitalized Agreement remains the basis of transitional legitimacy; changes require genuine dialogue among its parties. We urge respect for the Permanent Ceasefire and, for national reconciliation, consideration of the release of political detainees. 5. We welcome the Government’s engagement with the AU, IGAD and regional partners, and support African-led efforts by High Representative Jakaya Kikwete, the AU Peace and Security Council and the C5. The 29 September C5 Plus declaration offers a platform for engagement with groups outside the dialogue, including the mainstream SPLM/A-IO and non-signatories, to build electoral consensus. 6. We acknowledge preparations by the Government and national institutions for the 22 December elections, including nationwide civic and voter education. The Secretary-General’s assessment nevertheless requires urgent attention. Broad agreement on electoral rules, predictable financing, impartial security and credible dispute resolution are essential. Political and civic space must be protected, with meaningful participation by women, consistent with the 35 per cent quota, alongside youth and civil society. 7. We encourage coordinated UN, AU, IGAD and RJMEC engagement and timely Council updates. Assistance should support nationally owned arrangements commanding broad confidence. As the C5 Plus urged, the electoral roadmap must guarantee completion of deferred security reforms and constitution-making after elections. 8. UNMISS verified 514 civilians killed during the reporting period. We condemn attacks on civilians, conflict-related sexual violence and grave violations against children. All parties must end these violations, release children from their ranks and ensure accountability. Early warning and community dialogue must translate into timely protection. 9. Regional instability, particularly the conflict in neighbouring Sudan, compounds humanitarian and economic pressures. With 73,300 people facing catastrophic food insecurity and the response plan only 38.1 per cent funded, sustained international solidarity is essential. We call for increased national resources and predictable donor support, including anticipatory action against floods and drought. Humanitarian personnel must be protected and access safe, timely and unhindered. 10. UNMISS remains indispensable. We commend its protection and peace efforts despite its reduced footprint and constrained resources. Restrictions on movement weaken protection as risks rise. We call on the Government to fulfil its status-of-forces obligations and on the Council to ensure resources and capabilities match the Mission’s mandate. 11. The A3 stands with South Sudan’s people. We call on its leaders to restore consensus. Success will be measured by whether citizens can exercise their rights safely and trust that the outcome reflects their freely expressed choice. I thank you.