By Bosco Bush
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reiterated its commitment to supporting the country’s transition to lasting peace and stability as the world commemorates The United Nations Day, on October 24.
South Sudan became the 193rd member of the United Nations fraternity 14 years ago. But millions of people across the nation continue to suffer from conflicts, compounded by climate shocks and extreme food insecurity.
Speaking on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General during the event held yesterday, Lt. Gen. Mohan Subramanian, UNMISS force commander, stated that the UN is working towards the stability of the country.
While there are some developments which are in the positive direction, Subramanian said, the people of this country are yet to experience the full fruits of peace and development.
This he said, will be addressed through concerted efforts, collaborations and partnerships with the government to restore lasting peace, security and sustainable development.
“The UN family to tackle these challenges is working in partnership with the government of South Sudan as well as each and every organization present. At all, we are working in partnerships with the people of South Sudan to ensure peace, security and sustainable development,” Subramanian said.
The official highlighted the UN’s enduring commitment to the South Sudanese people through its consistent support of the ongoing peace process, asserting the need for durable political solutions to achieve stability and lasting peace.
“Our priority is to help this young nation advance durable political solutions to achieve lasting peace, development, stability and democracy in the surge in the revitalized peace agreement,” he asserted
He said the UN acknowledges the recent extension of the country’s transitional period with regret, but they are committed to helping South Sudan complete its difficult but necessary journey from war to peace by peaceful transfer of power through credible elections.
“We are therefore supporting an inclusive, and peaceful democratic transition by focusing on efforts to create an enabling environment for elections,” Subramanian stated
These include building institutional capacities, encouraging open civic and political space, fostering momentum in drafting a permanent constitution, and establishing necessary unified forces with equally necessary unified leadership.
The UN Day was marked at the University of Juba.