In a statement on Tuesday, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) welcomed the announcement of the 24-month extension of the transitional period to allow the implementation of key outstanding tasks of the 2018 peace agreement. 

Last week, parties to the agreement signed a roadmap that extends the current transitional period by 24 months. 

UNMISS commended the government for securing the consent of all the agreement's signatories, urging them to focus on bringing onboard other stakeholders, guarantors, and witnesses. 

"The UN Mission urges all the parties and signatories to the agreement to work together, in an expeditious manner towards the full implementation of the remaining key benchmarks, to ensure that a conducive atmosphere is created for the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections at the end of the extended period," the statement read in part.  

UNMISS further reiterated its commitment to supporting an inclusive democratic process and said it stands with the people of South Sudan in their pursuit of lasting peace, stability, and development.