Security Council Presidential Statement Reaffirms Importance of Revitalized Peace Agreement for Sustained Peace, Stability in South Sudan

Marking the one‑year anniversary of the signing of South Sudan’s latest peace agreement, the Security Council reaffirmed today the importance of that pact for sustained peace and stability in the country, calling for accelerated progress towards its implementation.

Issuing a statement (document S/PRST/2019/11) read out by Jerry Matthews Matjila (South Africa), Council President for October, the 15‑member Council welcomed initial progress in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, including the formation of required institutions and mechanisms, joint local peacebuilding activities and an improved environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to many areas.

The Council called upon the parties to expedite the implementation of transitional security arrangements and to continue consultations towards a common solution regarding the number and boundaries of states.  It also urged the Government of South Sudan to disburse the balance of funds pledged for implementation of the Revitalized Agreement in an accountable manner.

Calling for parties not signatory to the Revitalized Agreement to renounce violence, adhere to cessation‑of‑hostilities agreements and seek a political resolution to their concerns over the accord, the Council also called upon the signatories to engage with non‑signatories in a non‑violent and constructive manner.

The Council went on to welcome recent meetings between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Opposition leader Riek Machar, calling for continued high‑level, face‑to‑face meetings to resolve outstanding issues and allow for the formation of a Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, in accordance with the timeline agreed by the parties on 3 May.

Condemning the ongoing conflict in the Equatoria region, continued sexual violence and all violations of agreements on the protection of civilians, the Council expressed concern over the dire humanitarian, human rights and economic situation in South Sudan.  It also called upon all groups to protect medical facilities and personnel as well as other civilian infrastructure, allow unhindered humanitarian access and end sexual violence and use of child soldiers.

Expressing appreciation for the facilitation by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Council encouraged the subregional body to appoint a permanent Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.  It also welcomed the critical role played by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and demanded that the Government and opposition groups cease their obstruction of UNMISS and of the Joint Monitoring and Verification Mechanism.

The meeting began at 10:02 a.m. and ended at 10:10 a.m.