{"id":3675,"date":"2022-09-16T21:16:28","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T21:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/south-sudan-extended-roadmap-for-lasting-peace-deal-a-way-point-not-an-end-point\/"},"modified":"2022-09-16T21:16:28","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T21:16:28","slug":"south-sudan-extended-roadmap-for-lasting-peace-deal-a-way-point-not-an-end-point","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/?p=3675","title":{"rendered":"South Sudan: Extended roadmap for lasting peace deal, a \u2018way point, not an end point\u2019\u00a0 |"},"content":{"rendered":"


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UN Special Representative Nicholas Haysom said that although key provisions of the Agreement are set to end by February, the parties agreed in August on a\u202fRoadmap that extends the current transitional period by 24 months.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While a welcome development, he reminded that \u201cthere is no alternative to the implementation of the peace agreement\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me underscore that the roadmap is a way point, not an end point\u201d, he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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1\/4 SRSG Haysom @ UNSC: “Subnational violence\u2014marked by cycles of cattle raiding, abductions, revenge killings\u2014continues devastate communities and drive humanitarian needs.” pic.twitter.com\/3K78FQefze<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 UNMISS (@unmissmedia) September 16, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Inclusive political process\u00a0<\/h2>\n

The UNMISS chief flagged the importance of an inclusive political process and the opening of civic spaces as \u201cessential conditions\u201d for a robust and competitive electoral process.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He then outlined some steps underway – from President Salva Kiir and first Vice-President Riek Machar\u2019s agreement to resolve the parliamentary impasse, to the graduation of the first class of joint armed forces recruits – for which budgetary resources, integration and deployment, are vital to allow a broader security sector transformation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cFailure to address these critical issues\u2026have the potential to reverse the gains made,\u201d Mr. Haysom warned.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Violence continues\u00a0<\/h2>\n

He went on to describe violence on the regional level, marked by cycles of cattle raiding, abduction, and revenge killings along with fighting in Upper Nile state that has displaced thousands of people.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Special Representative reported that while conflict-related violence is also increasing, UNMISS continues to support prevention through policy frameworks and other areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mission is strengthening its support to the justice chain in each state\u2026to address crimes that risk destabilizing the peace, including those involving gender-based violence,\u201d he told the ambassadors.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2018Double pivot\u2019\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Mr. Haysom said that UNMISS has managed to accomplish a \u201cdouble pivot\u201d in its focus and operations, by channeling resources towards the political process; proactive deployment to violent hotspots; and expanding its protection presence for civilians.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He assured that South Sudan\u2019s natural resources have \u201ctremendous potential\u201d for either conflict, or cooperation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is always political that can make the difference\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Turning to the humanitarian situation, he acknowledged that food security continues to deteriorate, leaving some 8.3 million people in need and outstripping available funding.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Noting that the Humanitarian Response Plan is only 44.6 per cent funded, he urged donors to fulfil their pledges.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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UN Photo\/Manuel El\u00edas<\/span><\/p>\n

UN Special Representative for South Sudan Nicholas Haysom briefs Security Council. (file)<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018Litmus test\u2019\u00a0<\/h2>\n

He asserted that the next few months would be \u201ca litmus test\u201d for the parties to demonstrate their commitment to the Roadmap, warning against \u201cdelays and setbacks\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In closing, the Special Representative reaffirmed the importance of the international community\u2019s support.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOur collective task now is to support the parties in fulfilling their obligations to the people of South Sudan as per the timing of the Roadmap,\u201d he concluded.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Indispensable timelines\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Meanwhile, Lilian Riziq, President, South Sudan Women\u2019s Empowerment Network discussed a broad-based and inclusive process for all key participants, underscoring the need for a new transitional governance process.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

She underscored that election timelines are indispensable, noting that four years on, levels of revitalized agreement implementation have not brought security or ended humanitarian misery.\u00a0<\/p>\n

She also highlighted ways that precious oil revenues in South Sudan, have been heavily misused.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n