UN told to key an eye on South Sudan for peace to get implemented

Dec 16, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The head of UNMISS and the UN Secretary General Special Representative, David Shearer, urged the United Nations Security Council to main focus on South Sudan and guide it through the implementation of the peace agreement.

While briefing the UNSC, Shearer pointed out that there is lack of political will among the leaders which is causing disillusion and creating anger among the citizens as the world’s youngest nation can’t seem to save itself from a man-made political, social and economic crises. 

Although the peace is not moving as he hopes, Shearer said that South Sudan is making a little progress as the parties have formed a transitional government led by President Salva Kiir and the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar.

Shearer pointed out that despite the progress the country has made, some of the key initiatives are still lagging behind citing the unification of security forces and the appointment of the upper Nile State governor.

“The Transitional Security Arrangements that are aimed at unifying the security forces are stalled and leaving combatants in training centers often without adequate food and shelter,” Shearer said.

“The dispute over the proposed governorship of Johnson Olony in Upper Nile, Malakal – the only governor yet to take up office – is being used now to halt the appointment of county commissioners who are an essential part of local government,” he added. 

Shearer said that the absence of the security forces and the dispute over Upper Nile State leadership leave a vital vacuum, which makes it difficult to end or resolve intercommunal violence.

According to Shearer, the momentum of the peace process is linked to the strength of international engagement.

Shearer said he noted that the attentions of the member states are directed elsewhere.

He added that the UN should remain focused on South Sudan and guide it through the implementation of the peace process.

“Nevertheless, collectively, we still need to remain focused on South Sudan and guide the peace implementation,” shearer said.