Keeping the Peace: UN's Urgency in South Sudan Amid Escalating Violence
United Nations Security Council urges an immediate cessation of hostilities in South Sudan
In the midst of weeks of unrelenting strife, the United Nations Security Council has demanded an immediate ceasefire across South Sudan and the commencement of political talks, as stated in a resolution passed last Thursday. The Council's resolution calls for "an immediate end to hostilities throughout South Sudan and the commencement of political talks" and condemns violence against civilians.[1]
The resolution also prolongs the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for an additional year, until April 30, 2026. The initial troop ceiling of 17,000 UN soldiers and 2,100 police officers remained intact, but the Security Council hinted at potential modifications to the troop strength in the future.[1] The resolution gained the backing of 12 members of the Security Council, with Russia, China, and Pakistan abstaining from the vote.[2]
The conditions within South Sudan have worsened significantly in recent months, as the ongoing conflict between supporters of President Salva Kiir and loyalists of Vice President Riek Machar, who was apprehended in late March, has resurfaced. This renewed conflict poses a threat to a 2018 peace agreement that brought a close to a five-year civil war that led to the death of approximately 400,000 individuals.[3] South Sudan, which seceded from Sudan in 2011, continues to be one of the poorest countries in the world despite its vast oil reserves.[3]
[1] ntv.de
[2] AFP
The UN continues to be a pivotal figure in maintaining peace and stability in South Sudan. Here's an overview of UN's current efforts:
Peacekeeping Mission Extension
- Mandate Extension: The UN Security Council has planed to continue the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) until April 30, 2026.[1] This decision was made on May 9, 2025, and was supported by 12 members of the Security Council, while China, Russia, and Pakistan abstained.[1]
- UNMISS' Role: UNMISS is authorized to use all necessary means to protect civilians, deliver humanitarian aid, support the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, and investigate human rights violations.[1]
Recent Resolutions
- Resolution S/RES/2779 (2025): This resolution prioritizes continued international support for South Sudan's peacebuilding efforts. The resolution encourages the transitional government to engage with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and welcomes the efforts of regional organizations such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU) in advancing the peace process.[4]
The situation in South Sudan remains volatile, with concerns about hate speech and misinformation intensifying ethnic divisions. The head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, has expressed fears that the political crisis could fuel renewed military clashes.[1] The international community is being urged to persist in assisting South Sudan's journey towards peace. The role of regional organizations such as IGAD and the AU is considered vital in this process.[4]
- The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) until April 30, 2026, as a pivotal move to maintain peace and stability in South Sudan.
- The UNMISS is authorized to use all necessary means to protect civilians, deliver humanitarian aid, support the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, and investigate human rights violations.
- Recent resolutions, such as Resolution S/RES/2779 (2025), prioritize continued international support for South Sudan’s peacebuilding efforts and encourage the transitional government to engage with the UN Peacebuilding Commission.
- The international community and regional organizations, like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), are crucial in assisting South Sudan's journey towards peace, as the situation remains volatile with growing concerns about hate speech and misinformation that could potentially fuel renewed military clashes.
