The legitimacy of President Salva Kiir’s government, which is based on the 2018 peace agreement, is at risk due to the continued detention of First Vice President Riek Machar and senior SPLM-IO officials, as well as military operations in Nuer-majority areas, the U.N. Security Council heard Thursday.
Acting U.S. Representative to the U.N. Dorothy Shea made the remarks during the adoption of a Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in New York.
She said the transitional government had failed to take steps to peacefully conclude its tenure and had shown no political will to implement the peace agreement, making UNMISS’ role increasingly difficult.
“We look forward to a time when South Sudan’s leaders have created the conditions for free and fair elections. Then, and only then, should the Council consider additional support,” Shea said in remarks shared online.
The people of South Sudan, she asserted, deserve peace, the freedom to participate in civic and political processes, and a government that responds to their needs.
She added that allocating further financial resources for South Sudan’s election preparations would be irresponsible.
Shea expressed appreciation to all troop- and police-contributing countries for their service and sacrifice in supporting peace in South Sudan, noting that UNMISS leadership and peacekeepers play a critical role as the security situation deteriorates.
The envoy warned that South Sudan is on the brink of a broader civil war, with rising tensions and escalating violence.
“In this light, we are voting in favor of the resolution extending UNMISS’ mandate. The international community must use its influence to bring South Sudan back from the brink, including through UNMISS,” she said.
She went on to describe the conflict’s impact on civilians as alarming.
“We are troubled by reports of ground attacks, aerial bombardments, indiscriminate use of barrel bombs, and the unconscionable attack on May 3 on a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital. These attacks have killed many civilians and displaced tens of thousands. They also indicate a possible return to ethnic conflict,” Shea said.
The U.S. envoy noted that the transitional government continues to impose movement restrictions on UNMISS, significantly hindering its ability to protect civilians, and has persisted in its “unacceptable” demand that UNMISS vacate its Thongpiny headquarters.
“We insist that UNMISS be allowed to carry out its mandate without hindrance, as reflected in the resolution,” Shea asserted.
Nevertheless, Shea said, the U.S. remains committed to the U.N.’s foundational purpose of maintaining international peace and security.
She added that President Trump has been clear that the U.S. will champion the cause of peace.
Shea urged fellow Security Council members to work together to ensure UNMISS receives full cooperation from the transitional government and called on them to pressure South Sudan’s leaders for an urgent, peaceful resolution to the conflict.