Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC briefing on the situation in South Sudan

Mr.President,

I would like to congratulate you on the assuming of Presidency of the Security Council and wish every success to you and your delegation. Let me also thank Malta for its leadership in February.

We thank SRSG Haysom and Mr.Talahma from UN OCHA for their insights. We studies carefully the resent quarterly report if the Secretary-General. We also welcome Permanent Representative of South Sudan to this briefing.

We closely follow the developments in South Sudan. In recent months, authorities of this young African state have been able to progress in implementing the obligations under the Revitalized Peace Agreement. In South Sudan, parliament is functioning properly and thr National Council for Human Rights has been established. Several critical pieces of legislation were enacted, including a law on drafting of a Constitution. Preparations for general elections that are scheduled for December 2024 have started. However, the fact that those events fall behind the initially endorsed timeline cannot but raise concern.

In current circumstances, the decision of the parties to the Revitalized Agreement to extend the transition period until February 2025 appears justified. The roadmap that was adopted in this connection must be strictly observed, and all mechanisms operating within the peace framework must have the required financing.

We remain convinced that targeted efforts of South Sudanese authorities to establish consolidated national armed force as a guarantor for further promotion of the peace process and successful convening of 2024 elections is a priority. We note that the process of establishing unified military has conclude its first stage. However, due to some unsettled disputes, including the deployment plan and the structure of command, launch of the second stage is stalling.

Mr.President,

Against an overall improvement of South Sudanese macroeconomic indicators, incoming reports about recurrent violent outbreaks at the periphery of the country, local violent upheavals and inter-communal armed clashes that cause movement of refugees and displaced civilians appear concern raising. We strongly condemn all violations of the peace agreement, acts of violence against civil population and employees of humanitarian organizations working in South Sudan. We take note of response measures taken by the government.

We give credit to mediator efforts of the African Unions and IGAD member-states. We welcome the resumption of work through the Community of Sant'Egidio. Also, we note the effective work of UNMISS under the lead of SRSG Haysom. We call on all non-signatories of the Revitalized Peace Agreement to join the peace process.

Mr.President,

At the end of January, South Sudan turned to United Nations for assistance in convening elections. Hopefully, Blue Helmets will be able to provide all the required assistance unconditionally, as prescribed by UNSC decisions. In general, we call on UNMISS to pay closer attention to stabilizing the security situation and facilitating timely implementation of the peace agreement and the roadmap which was adopted in August 2022. When negotiating a draft resolution on a 12-month renewal of the UNMISS mandate, we proceed from the need to have a well-balanced text to reflect positions of all members of the Council and, most importantly, to meet the aspirations of South Sudanese themselves.

Thank you.

 

Video of the statement