Top envoy says clock ticking to achieve peace accord on South Sudan transition

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS – UN Special Representative for South Sudan Nicolas Haysom on Wednesday briefed the members of the UNSC has warned that the clock is ticking to accomplish the commitments under a key 2018 peace accord, ahead of a new deadline set for February 2027 as the country enters a so-called “extended transitional period” this month.

The Revitalized Peace Agreement was signed in 2018 to end years of conflict, initially set a three-year timeline for elections and the formation of a democratic government.

The transition has been extended four times, with key political, security, and governance benchmarks remaining unfulfilled.

He noted that under the latest extension, announced by the authorities in September last year, general elections are scheduled to take place in December 2026.

Nicolas Haysom stressed that while the country’s citizens have been patient, they expect progress.

“There is a strong desire for the leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement – without further delay.”

He noted that the progress stalling in several critical areas, Mr. Haysom urged South Sudan’s leaders to accelerate security sector reform, electoral preparations, and reform of the constitution and judicial processes.

Mr. Haysom emphasized that “The clock is already ticking on the extended transitional period. Decision-makers need to tackle several issues simultaneously and immediately”.

He stressed that despite some achievements, major gaps persist concerning elections scheduled for December 2026.

A framework for security sector management and a national community violence reduction strategy have been adopted, critical conditions remain unmet including the full deployment of unified security forces, voter education, and a code of conduct between political parties and other stakeholders, he noted.

“We have not yet seen the previously promised harmonized workplan with an operational timetable for elections,” Mr. Haysom said.

He added that delays in government funding and decision-making are further impeding progress.

Communal violence remains a major driver of insecurity, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including women and children, he said.

The clashes between armed groups in Western Equatoria, along with widespread reports of illegal checkpoints, highlight the fragility of the security environment, he noted.

He reiterated that the war between rival militaries in neighboring Sudan is having spillover effects in South Sudan, including violent unrest in Juba after reports of South Sudanese nationals being executed in Sudan’s Wad Madani region.

Over 1 million Sudanese refugees have fled into South Sudan during the reporting period, joining an  staggering 9.3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

The country’s economic crisis is also worsening, with inflation soaring to 107 percent and food prices doubling, while government employees have not been paid for 10 months.

He said health conditions are deteriorating, with over 23,000 reported cholera cases exacerbated by last year’s floods. The disease continues to spread, particularly in remote areas with limited healthcare access.

The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to reach 5.4 million people with life-saving assistance and protection, but funding remains a critical challenge.

UN is appealing for $1.7 billion to meet urgent needs this year, he stated.

Mr. Haysom, head of the UNMISS briefed on logistical challenges faced after the Government requested the mission vacate part of its headquarters within 45 days.

He described the demand as imposing “significant costs” and logistical hurdles that UNMISS not currently equipped to manage.

The restrictions on peacekeeper movement in some areas continue to limit the mission’s ability to provide security and humanitarian support, he added.

Mr. Haysom reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to standing “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the people of South Sudan on their path to stabilization and democratization.