Mr. President,
- I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely: Algeria, Guyana, Somalia, and my own country Sierra Leone.
- At the outset, we wish to congratulate you, and the People’s Republic of China, on assuming the Presidency of our Council. We express to you, Mr. President, our best wishes of success.
- We also seize this opportunity to commend Algeria for its able leadership of our Council’s work during the month of January.
- We acknowledge the Secretary-General’s report on South Sudan, and thank Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and Major General (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson, Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) for their important briefings. We also thank Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) for his contribution.
- We welcome the participation of the representative of South Sudan in this meeting.
- The A3+ commends the Government of South Sudan for progress achieved thus far in implementing the Revitalized Agreement, including the reconstitution of the RJMEC, the passage of key legislations such as the Truth, Reconciliation and Healing Bill, the Compensation and Reparations Authority Bill, and the establishment of electoral institutions, such as the National Constitutional Review Commission, the Political Parties Council and the National Election Commission among other efforts.
- We recognize Kenya’s leadership in the Tumaini Initiative and commend the engagement of H.E. President Salva Kiir of South Sudan and H.E. President William Ruto of Kenya, alongside the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in advancing the peace process.
- The A3+ commends the Ministerial visit to Juba undertaken by the members of the African Union (AU) Ad hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan (C5), namely Algeria, Chad, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa on 16 and 17 January this year (2025). Through this solidarity visit, the C5 members reaffirmed the unwavering support of the African Union to the peace process in South Sudan.
- In noting these notable achievements, the A3+ however remains concerned about key challenges: First, on the electoral process, and with elections rescheduled for December 2026, urgent action is needed to finalize transitional security arrangements and establish a middle command structure for the Necessary Unified Forces. We believe that the implementation of an electoral roadmap represents a critical component for a successful election. We also believe that in preparing for such a roadmap, consideration should be given to the participation of internally displaced people and returnees in the election, an issue which was not addressed in the National Elections Act.
- We echo the Secretary General’s call on the South Sudanese parties to use the 2 years extension to implement the main pending tasks, particularly the constitution making process, the unification of forces and voters’ registration. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of an inclusive electoral process where all South Sudanese are on board.
- Second, the A3+ is of the view that there is need for a credible national census and inclusive electoral process. A national census is critical for fair elections, especially noting that the National Bureau of Statistics estimates at least 16 months to complete it. In this regard, we urge the South Sudan authorities to ensure this is conducted in a timely manner with the support of regional and international partners
- Additionally, a transparent voter registration process, open civic space, and active engagement of political parties, civil society, and the media are essential for a free and fair electoral process.
- Third, the A3+ remains concerned about frequent incidents of fatal intercommunal violence and human rights violations that persist across regions. We regret and remain concerned about the growing incidents of intercommunal violence, extrajudicial killings, and sexual and gender-based violence which pose a grave threat to the stability and development of South Sudan. The A3+ calls on South Sudan, UNMISS, IGAD, and the AU to work together to curb the violence and hold all perpetrators accountable. In this regard, Security sector reform and Disarmament Demobilisation and Reintegration of armed groups and individuals remains critical to creating a safe and impartial electoral environment.
- Fourth, the A3+ is deeply concerned about the deteriorating economic situation in the country, driven by a decline in oil production due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Economic stability is crucial for addressing key challenges, including unemployment, the unification and graduation of armed forces, and the allocation of resources to national institutions responsible for reconciliation and the electoral process. In this connection, we call on the government of South Sudan to implement effective resource management systems that prioritize accountability and transparency in the use and management of the country’s resources.
- The A3+ reiterates its call on international financial institutions and development partners to provide the necessary logistical, technical, and financial support to ensure South Sudan finance the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and meets its electoral roadmap within the two-year transition, and post-elections stability through the rule of law.
- In conclusion, Mr. President, the A3+ commends UNMISS, the African Union, IGAD, and Kenya for their persistent engagement with non-signatory groups to ensure peace in South Sudan. The A3+ continues to commend and urges all stakeholders in South Sudan to remain committed to the Revitalized Agreement and work collectively to secure lasting peace and stability. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting South Sudan’s transition and urge all actors to sustain efforts toward peace, stability, and the democratic future of South Sudan.
I thank you!
