By Philip Buda Ladu
Special Representative of UN Secretary-General and Head of Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, urges political leaders to make the most of the recent extension of the transitional period to prevent a relapse into conflict.
Addressing a press conference in Juba on Wednesday, Haysom expressed that while the UN acknowledges the decision to extend the Roadmap of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), it does so with regret.
“I say this because we are compelled to recognize the deep frustration and fatigue felt by the South Sudanese people at the seeming political paralysis and inaction in South Sudan,” he echoed.
The UNMISS chief said he has in the past weeks engaged at length with political leaders, civil society representatives, women and youth leaders as well as international partners on a peaceful end to the transition.
Mr. Haysom noted that his engagement no doubt pointed out that, the only way forward is for South Sudan’s leaders to find the compromises and modes of implementation of a critical mass of the key political, and operational benchmarks set out in the R-ARCSS.
“They (politicians) must make this latest extension count if they are to retain the trust and confidence of their people and let’s be clear – from our perspective, that clock is ticking right now. The clock doesn’t start in February next year,” he said.
Haysom emphasized that the UN is prioritizing support in achieving concrete outcomes because they want this fourth extension since the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018 to end with the 2027 deadline as it has been agreed.
He highlighted what the UN is doing to support the parties, civil society, and South Sudanese generally in making real progress on holding credible elections, and vitally, elections that do not risk the country spiralling into violence again
Firstly, working with political parties at national and state levels to raise awareness on what is required from them to hold elections.
UNMISS boss noted that so far this year, they have held some political forums in Juba, Yambio, Bor, Wau, Rumbek, and Bentiu.
“We are doing our best to provide key stakeholders in South Sudan’s future at both state and national levels—political parties, civil society, women, youth, security forces, traditional leaders, and communities as a whole—opportunities to be informed, to bridge their differences, arrive at common understandings, and generally to have a voice in the process,” Haysom said.
Through these platforms and interactions, Mr. Haysom said the UN is helping create an ‘enabling environment’ for elections.
He stressed the importance of open civic and political space for all the citizens of South Sudan saying it’s the bedrock of democracy.
“This means an environment where all citizens can cast their vote without intimidation or fear of reprisal; where politicians have a level playing field to express their opinions without inciting hatred or violence; where the media can keep people informed without censorship; and a vibrant and vocal civil society can thrive,” he said.
Haysom also highlights the expansion of UNMISS assistance to the National Elections Commission (NEC) beyond technical meetings, discussions and capacity building.
“We are looking at real, brick-and-mortar investments across all 10 states,” he stated. “We intend to start and to make a clear headway by the end of the year in building offices in all 10 states for the National Election Commission to function and for people to interact with the electoral process.”
Additionally, Haysom said they are supporting the NEC in drafting election regulations; finalizing a civic and voter education strategy; as well as building knowledge and capacities among their legal team on regional and international best practices related to electoral issues.
With UNMISS already investing in various aspects of the transition to democracy, Haysom now calls on the transitional unity government to show its political will and lead the way to end the peace roadmap.
The UNMISS chief said he has noticed the various appeals for funds upfront from the government.
“But let me be clear that requests for external or international financing for any aspect of South Sudan’s transition—need to be backed up with demonstrable proof that national financial resources are being prioritized for these long overdue steps,” Haysom said.
He reiterated that South Sudanese should show willingness and readiness to invest in their own democratic elections and processes before asking others to do so.
“The international community also need tangible evidence that this country’s leaders are genuinely committed to a democratic future. As things stand, there is international concern about the political stagnation here” he pointed. “Public patience isn’t limitless.”
Haysom emphasized the need for the parties to hit the ground running by drafting a harmonized implementation plan between various outstanding processes, for example, ensuring the constitution-making process follows the electoral timeline, by immediately clarifying and resolving key political decisions that remain outstanding and in a proper sequence.
This is followed by realistic timelines and budget, with confirmed government funding, taking decisions on voter registration now to enable the voter registration process to start next year.
Furthermore complete Phase 1 of the deployment of Necessary Unified Forces; devise an agreed code of conduct for political parties, civil society and the media that reflects the aspirations of all South Sudanese; and finally ensure all these activities run in parallel to conducting immediate and widespread civic education.