By William Madouk/Emmanuel Jurugo Ogasto
Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan by a month.
The council on Thursday unanimously supported by the 15-member nation, gave a green light for the extension of the UN peacekeeping mission until 30 April 2024.
UNMISS mandate was extended under Resolution 2726, to continue carrying out its tasks in the country. It adopted a resolution to approve a “technical rollover” for the mandate of UNMISS.
The resolution, the Council said, was adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
According to the Security Council, the technical rollover will allow more time for council members to evaluate South Sudan’s election preparedness and discuss the substantive extension of the mission’s mandate, which includes technical assistance to South Sudan’s elections.
The Council authorized UNMISS to determine that the situation in the country continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.
By other terms, it recalled its previous resolutions, statements of its President and press statements concerning the situation in South Sudan, and decided to remain actively seized of the matter.
In response, government spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth said the renewal of the mandate will not affect the running of the government.
noted the Security Council has been many times renewing the mandate of UNMISS without seeking the consent of the government.
“This is something usual, they have been doing it. UNMISS’ mandate has been renewed all these times without our consent and even when we write and say this should not happen, it happens,” he stated.
“So, it is not something new and we will continue with our normal processes and that will not stop us from doing anything.”
UNMISS currently provides technical assistance, including capacity-building, and logistical support for the electoral process and security support to facilitate the electoral cycle, among others.
The UN peacekeeping mission will maintain its force levels with a ceiling of 17,000 troops and 2,101 police personnel.
Delays in preparations could affect South Sudan’s elections due in December 2024.