The Government of South Sudan has strongly opposed the recent report and recommendations presented by the United Nations (UN), asserting that the country’s internal political decisions and administrative matters are fundamental expressions of its national sovereignty.
During a UN Security Council meeting held last Friday in New York, South Sudan’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Sabino Edward Nyawella Amaikwey, stated that the Secretary-General’s latest report encroaches upon the nation’s sovereignty and exceeds the organization’s established mandate.
In his address to the Council, Ambassador Nyawella emphasized that any political or administrative decisions made within South Sudan are determined through collective dialogue and consultation between the government and domestic political parties, rather than being dictated by external entities.
He argued that governance and national political matters remain the sovereign responsibility of the state. Furthermore, he clarified that references in the Secretary-General’s report regarding “unilateral actions” do not reflect the reality on the ground, maintaining that essential political steps are taken in accordance with the 2018 Peace Agreement through inter-party discussions.
While reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment to collaborating with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the Ambassador urged the mission to maintain strict impartiality. He specifically called on the UN mission to refrain from interfering in matters concerning national security and to focus solely on its designated responsibilities.
While the government remains ready to partner with UNMISS on initiatives involving the rule of law, support for mobile courts, and climate change challenges, the Ambassador noted that coordination and information sharing between the mission and the government must improve to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings.
Regarding security concerns and the implementation of the peace deal, Ambassador Nyawella stated that the government is not responsible for the conflicts and instability occurring in areas such as Nasir and Akobo. Instead, he attributed the breakdown of security primarily to armed opposition groups and non-state militias, asserting that the government continues to fulfill its duty to protect innocent civilians.
He also reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to holding general elections scheduled for December 2026, warning that extending the transitional period would be detrimental to national stability as the citizens are eager for democratic governance and lasting peace.
This firm stance from South Sudan comes at a time of increased pressure from the United States and other Western nations, who have criticized the slow implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The U.S. has frequently accused South Sudanese leaders of lacking the political will to achieve peace; however, South Sudan dismissed these accusations as “unwarranted emphasis.”
