UN EXTENDS SOUTH SUDAN MISSION, CUTS TROOP CEILING

Ghanaian peacekeepers of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol in Leer. (AFP file)

RADIO TAMAZUJ

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in South Sudan for another year while reducing troop levels, as it warned the situation in the country still threatens regional peace.

In a resolution adopted at a meeting on April 30, the council renewed the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) until April 30, 2027, and set a troop ceiling of 12,500 and a police ceiling of 2,101.

The new troop cap marks a reduction from the previous ceiling of 17,000 troops, while the police component remains unchanged.

The council said the mission’s priority remains preventing a return to civil war, protecting civilians and supporting conditions for humanitarian aid delivery, while monitoring implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

Beyond renewing the mandate, the resolution broadened expectations for UNMISS, directing it to intensify proactive patrols, rapid response measures and early warning systems to deter attacks on civilians, including in high-risk areas. It also emphasized better use of technology and community engagement to improve situational awareness.

The council stressed that protection of civilians, human rights monitoring and facilitation of humanitarian access should remain the mission’s core priorities. It reaffirmed that UNMISS is authorised to use “all necessary means” to implement its mandate.

It further called for stronger safeguards against sexual and gender-based violence, including the deployment of specialised protection advisers, and instructed the mission to monitor and report abuses against women, children and other vulnerable groups.

The resolution also mandated UNMISS to track and report violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses, including conflict-related sexual violence, child rights violations, and incitement to violence, including through misinformation campaigns.

Member states expressed concern over restrictions on UNMISS movement and operations, urging the transitional government to comply fully with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). The council warned that obstruction of the mission could trigger further action.

It also required the South Sudanese authorities to end interference with UNMISS logistics, including taxation and import restrictions on UN and diplomatic supplies, and to ensure unrestricted access to key bases.

The council welcomed continued engagement by regional and international actors, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union, and the African Union Peace and Security Council, in supporting the peace process.

It urged the resumption of inclusive political dialogue among all parties, including signatories and non-signatories to the peace agreement, and pressed for progress toward elections and transitional reforms.

The resolution also called for cooperation on establishing a hybrid court under the African Union to address accountability for serious crimes committed during the conflict.

It requested the UN Secretary-General to report regularly on SOFA violations, protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and human rights conditions, including monthly updates on restrictions faced by UNMISS.

The council further asked for an assessment of UNMISS military and police capabilities within 120 days to determine whether force levels and deployment posture remain adequate.

UN officials were also tasked with monitoring environmental risks such as floods and drought, which the council said could worsen instability and humanitarian needs.

The Security Council said it would remain actively seized of the matter and adjust the mission’s mandate and force levels depending on security conditions and cooperation from South Sudanese authorities.