By Yiep Joseph
Civil Society Organizations in South Sudan have appealed to the United Nations Security Council to renew the mandate of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), emphasizing protection of civilians and support for upcoming elections.
On April 29, 2024, the UN Security Council extended UNMISS’s mandate for one year to help prevent a relapse into civil war and an escalation of violence in the East African nation.
The UN Security Council is expected to convene in the coming days to decide on the renewal of UNMISS’s mandate, which expires on April 30th.
Meanwhile, the 2018 peace agreement continues to face significant challenges, including armed confrontations among signatory parties. The recent arrest of opposition members, including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, has further jeopardized the stability of the 2018 peace agreement.
Recognizing the crucial role of peacekeepers in the country, some civil society members have advocated for the renewal of the UNMISS mandate, prioritizing the prevention of violence and the protection of civilians.
In an interview with this outlet, Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), urged the renewal of the mandate with a strong emphasis on protection and technical support for the elections.
“CEPO strongly urges the government of South Sudan and United Nations Security Council leaders to renew the UNMISS mandate with a stronger focus on the protection of civilians and technical political support for the transitional process,” Yakani stated.
He added, “Strengthening UNMISS’s role in human rights, civic space, and conflict early warning reporting should be prioritized.”
Yakani commended UNMISS for its significant role in preventing violence and protecting civilians. He also called on South Sudanese citizens to appreciate the work of UNMISS and urged those spreading misinformation about the mission to stop.
“CEPO urges those deeply involved in providing misinformation, hate speech, hostile propaganda, and disinformation, including fake news about UNMISS performance, to refrain from such activities and seek accurate information first,” Yakani emphasized.
He appealed to the South Sudan government to cooperate with UNMISS to ensure conflict prevention and the protection of civilians.
Also, Jacob Adher, a political scientist, acknowledged UNMISS’s role and encouraged the mission to integrate development initiatives alongside its peace mission.
“Their mandates can be renewed, but their role should not always be one-sided. They should include development projects like roads and health centers; let them help the government,” he suggested.
John Aruai, an international relations specialist, expressed the need for the council to renew the UNMISS mandate with new features, such as youth and women empowerment. He called on the government to cooperate with UNMISS to foster peace in the country.
“After the UN Security Council renews the UNMISS mandate, the South Sudan government and decision-makers need to cooperate with them and be honest in the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement,” he stated.
Rebecca Abuk, a lawmaker in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, urged UNMISS to intensify its efforts in implementing its tasks.
“We need UNMISS to focus on their task as partners for peace while also cooperating in assisting the government in other aspects, such as road projects,” she said.
Peter Matu supported the renewal of UNMISS’s mandate, adding that it provides confidence in peacebuilding at a time when leaders disagree.
“Since peace is needed, we can still keep them. They sometimes push our leaders to dialogue when they fail to reach an agreement,” he commented.
On his part, Ter Manyang, the Executive Director for the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), urged UNMISS to prioritize the protection of civilians after the renewal of its mandate.
“The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) should focus on protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, supporting the peace process, and monitoring human rights violations,” Manyang said.
He appealed to UNMISS to redouble its efforts in preventing the country from relapsing into war.
“Specifically, it aims to prevent a return to civil war, enable South Sudan’s self-reliance, build durable peace, support inclusive governance, and facilitate free and fair elections,” he elaborated.
The activist also urged UNMISS to focus on youth empowerment through innovation.
“To developmental programs where young people should be empowered in terms of enterprise and innovation,” he concluded.