A3+ JOINT STATEMENT ON UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN (UNMISS)

  Delivered by

H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Rabi Yusuf, Deputy Permanent Representative of Somalia at The United Nations Security Council Briefing on UNMISS

18th August 2025

Mr. President,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Somalia.

2. We thank ASG Martha Pobee and Interim Chairperson for the Reconstituted

Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Maj. General George

Aggrey Owinow for their comprehensive briefing. We take note of Murithi Mutiga, Africa Program Director at International Crisis Group’s statement.

3. We welcome the participation of the Representative of South Sudan in today’s meeting.

4. The A3+ acknowledges the recent steps taken by the Government of South Sudan in addressing the challenges facing the country, including its engagement with UNMISS, the African Union, IGAD, and other partners.

5. We welcome the recent visit of AUPSC to Juba led by Algeria.

6. Despite these efforts, we remain concerned about growing tension within the Transitional Government, particularly the continued detention of First Vice-President Riek Machar and other political leaders.

7. These developments risk undermining the progress achieved under the Revitalized Agreement by the transitional Government and the prospects for a peaceful and credible election.

8. We reiterate our call for their immediate and unconditional release.

9. We urge all parties to resolve their differences through inclusive political dialogue and to uphold the commitments of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

10.South Sudan stands at a critical juncture.

11.The leadership must ensure that the revised electoral roadmap for the election rescheduled to take place in December 2026 stays on track.

12.This milestone will only be possible if the necessary political will and resources are dedicated to supporting the institutions responsible for delivering credible elections, including through the necessary assistance of the International Community.

13.In this context, the A3+ welcomes the African Union Commission’s efforts to prioritize electoral support through the AU Peace Fund.

14.We further urge the international community and Member States to support South Sudan in its efforts to organize credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in 2026.

15.With regard to the security situation in South Sudan, the A3+ is alarmed by the surge in violence in Upper Nile, Jonglei, the Equatorias, and Warrap.

16.Reported aerial bombardments, intercommunal clashes, and ground offensives in civilian areas have resulted in significant casualties, mass displacement, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

17.We urge all armed actors to respect the permanent ceasefire, uphold international humanitarian law, and prioritize the safety of civilians.

18.We also call for the advancement of the implementation of chapter two of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in view of the need for the full deployment of the necessary Unified Forces.

19.This is essential for both the smooth running of the elections and the broader peace process.

20.UNMISS’s role in patrolling, mediating, and supporting local peace dialogues remains vital, and we call for its unhindered freedom of movement in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement.

21.Accountability for human rights violations, including the recruitment and use of children, extrajudicial killings, and conflict-related sexual violence, must be ensured.

22.In this regard, it is essential to strengthen the human rights component of UNMISS.

23.On the economic and humanitarian front, we recognize the Government’s engagement with the IMF to strengthen macroeconomic stability and implement financial management reforms.

24.Yet persistent inflation, currency depreciation, and salary arrears continue to erode livelihoods.

25.We also note with concern the humanitarian situation with nearly 7.7 million people facing acute food insecurity, a cholera outbreak, and recurring floods, which further compound vulnerabilities.

26.We have taken note of efforts to coordinate with humanitarian actors and urge the removal of all access impediments.

27.We further call on international partners to urgently support the Government’s response to both internal and regional crises, including the increasing number of returnees and displaced people from neighboring Sudan.

28.The international community must demonstrate commitment to scale up funding for the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan and support the integration of climate resilience into peacebuilding and recovery strategies.

Mr. President,

29.The A3+ wishes to underscore that an African-led approach, grounded in partnership, inclusivity, and respect for South Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, offers the most sustainable path to peace.

30.We urge all stakeholders to coordinate with regional mechanisms and ensure their actions reinforce the success and sustainability of the peace process.

31.South Sudan’s long-term stability rests on the will of its people, and all efforts must align with their aspirations.

32.We commend the AU, IGAD, and C5 members for their prompt engagement and commitment to reviving the Revitalized Agreement.

33.The A3+ remains committed to supporting South Sudan’s journey towards lasting peace and prosperity.

I thank you.