JUBA- The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, mentioned on Monday reaffirmed the U.N. dedication to help South Sudan journey towards peace.
Addressing journalists at a press convention on Monday in Juba, Lacroix assured the federal government of continued UN help for the Revitalized Peace Agreement, together with help for the 2026 elections.
“As all of you know, the latest extension commenced on the 22nd of February, just a few days ago, and we felt it critical to emphasize the message of UN commitment at a time when the country is striving to fully implement the revitalized peace agreement and hold its first elections, which are due to occur by November 2026,” Lacroix mentioned in the course of the conclusion of a five-day go to to the nation.
Lacroix known as on the events to the 2018 peace settlement to settle the lingering political issues impeding the implementation of the peace settlement.
He expressed concern over the dire financial and humanitarian scenario and rising insecurity on the sub-national degree.
“There is also the impact of the Sudanese conflict on South Sudan, both in terms of the number of IDPs, refugees, and returnees, as well as the impact on the economy and potential security threats in South Sudan. Clearly, the conflict in Sudan is exacerbating the existing domestic challenges in South Sudan. We must take that into account.”
“Our main contributors are facing constraints on their public finances, and while we remain committed to advocating for South Sudan, this will require the partnership of all, including the authorities of South Sudan, to ensure effective advocacy for the resources needed to support the country.”
He said that the UN’s ongoing efforts are geared toward helping the federal government of South Sudan in holding credible, truthful, and peaceable elections in December 2026.
Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, said that the nation can’t afford one other extension.
“We must complete the preparations for elections during this extension period, and we are committed to working closely with our South Sudanese partners to ensure that the elections take place. The reason I say this is that it is clear to us that the South Sudanese people themselves have little appetite for a further extension,” he mentioned.