Statement by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Dmitry Polyanskiy at a UNSC Briefing on South Sudan
Mr. President,
We are grateful to Assistant Secretary-General, Ms.Martha Pobee, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), Mr. George Owinow, for the information provided. We have listened to the statement by the representative of the International Crisis Group, Mr. Murithi Mutiga. We welcome the participation of the representative of South Sudan in today's meeting.
The situation in South Sudan is far from being stabilized. Clashes between government troops and opposition are resulting in casualties, including among civilians. It is also disquieting that there is an ethnic component underlying the current escalation.
The tension in South Sudan is creating ground for major instability in neighboring countries. We are also seriously worried by the reports that South Sudan may be used as a foothold to support one side of the conflict in neighboring Sudan. We trust that the sovereignty of the Republic of South Sudan will not be challenged and that relations between the two brotherly countries will be built in a spirit of partnership and good neighborliness. This is particularly important given the economic interdependence of Sudan and South Sudan.
At the same time, we are not inclined to overdramatize what is happening in South Sudan. We cannot agree with exceedingly alarmist assessments of the situation in the country. We have no doubt that Juba is perfectly aware that using force to defuse the current tensions would be futile. Back in the spring, President Salva Kiir assured that the country’s relapse into civil war is something that he would never allow. These words are underpinned by steps taken by the authorities to bolster security in the capital and other states.
In this regard, it is imperative that all Council members support Juba’s efforts to strengthen State institutions, including administrative and law enforcement structures as a key element of stability. It is also of exceptional significance that these steps by South Sudan be accompanied by the mediation efforts by the African community. In this regard, we note the constructive role played by the African Union and the IGAD member States.
The South Sudanese parties, with the support of the countries of the continent, are able to demonstrate political wisdom, curb further escalation of the armed standoff, and return to the logic of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. We hope that the parties to the process will make efforts to end the armed confrontation and fully implement the provisions of this document, including as regards the compliance with the new timeline for the transition period, and establishment of unified armed forces as a guarantee for the advancement of the peace process.
Mr. President,
We cannot agree with the assertions made by some Western delegations that “political violence” allegedly reins in South Sudan. This is a clear exaggeration, which is only meant to stir up negative emotions. Apparently, not everyone likes Juba's ability to make sovereign decisions in the political sphere and in the administration of justice, contrary to the conditions imposed on it from outside. In our view, such assessments often serve to exert pressure on the current government and interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, whose independent path of development we all supported at one time.
An important component of the country's progress towards peace is the work of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). We trust that it will continue to effectively support the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Russia supports its activities, in particular its peacekeeping component as well as its tasks to ensure stability and provide humanitarian assistance. We reiterate that the use of force against UN peacekeepers is inadmissible, and we strongly condemn any acts of violence against blue helmets, representatives of humanitarian organizations, and civilians.
At the same time, it is important that the Mission’s work not be boiled down to imposing unrealistic “recipes” and dubious schemes for overcoming political difficulties on the South Sudanese. The best thing the Security Council and the UN can do for South Sudan is not to deny the country’s right to make its own decisions regarding the future of the country and its people. This applies directly to the possible conduct of nationwide elections in the Republic of South Sudan.
We once again note the harmful nature of the arms embargo imposed on South Sudan. With representatives of the African continent, including at the UNSC, calling for revising or easing it, this regime remains the main obstacle to forming and supplying the country's unified army. It is clear that the existing exemptions from the arms embargo are insufficient to address the major task of enhancing national security. We are determined to consistently advocate for this regime to be eased or fully dismantled.
Thank you.
