UNSC Briefing on UNMISS/South Sudan

[Monday, 21 June 2021]

India Statement delivered by Mr. R. Ravindra

Deputy Permanent Representative & Political Coordinator

At the outset let me thank SRSG Frank Haysom for his briefing on implementation of UNMISS mandate and recent developments in South Sudan.  Also thank Mr. Rajab Mohandis, Executive Director and co-founder of the Organization for Responsive Governance (ORG) for his insights.  I join others in welcoming representative of South Sudan in today’s meeting.

2. Mr. President, recent developments in South Sudan have been encouraging. The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity [RTGoNU] has completed one year in February this year. The peaceful cohabitation of various political parties despite having diverging views provide hope for peace and stability. The beginning of constitution making process recently is another positive development.  However, the Revitalized Transitional Government has a huge task ahead. So is for the parties to the Revitalized Agreement. The parties need to reach a consensus agreement on the duration of the transition and on the time frame for holding the elections.

3. The reconstitution of a 550-member parliament and setting up a task force to oversee the implementation of chapter V of the Revitalized Agreement are welcome developments. We hope steps will the taken in the coming months to set up and operationalize the Hybrid Court. The Sant’Egidio Community-brokered peace talks between the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) and the  Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) and the signing of a Declaration of Principles between the Transitional Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)/A–North, demonstrate the commitment of South Sudanese leadership to peace.

4. On security front, the ceasefire has continued to hold, though localized violence has increased. This calls for early establishment of the Unified Command of the military and the graduation of the Necessary Unified Forces, which is a critical aspect of the Agreement. We appreciate the continuing cooperation between the Transitional Government and UNMISS in providing protection to the IDPs in the camps for the internally displaced, which are now under the sovereign control of the Government. We urge UNMISS to continue to move forward on the transition of the Malakal Protection of Civilians site as conditions permit and in line with its mandate. The humanitarian needs of the population are increasing and international community needs to step in to bridge the funding gap of more than USD 1 billion.

5. We are concerned over violations of the Status of Forces Agreement. The issue needs to be addressed at the earliest in a pro-active manner by the Transitional Government working together with the UNMISS authorities.

6. India is one of the largest TCCs to UNMISS since its establishment 10 years back. Indian peacekeepers have made significant contribution to peace in South Sudan in implementing crucial aspects of the mandate including engaging communities, helping them to successfully address challenges concerning daily needs, such as healthcare, drinking water and education. India has contributed over USD 2 million to UNMISS over the last year.

Mr. President,

7. It is a matter of immense pride that 135 of my fellow countrymen, serving as part of UNMISS, have recently been awarded the UN medals for their outstanding performance in Jonglei State and the Greater Pribor Administrative Area. I particularly salute the bravery of the three Indian peacekeepers who have been posthumously awarded the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold Medal this year for their courage and sacrifice in the line of duty. Corporal Yuvraj Singh and Ivan Michael Picardo had served in UNMISS and Mulchand Yadav had worked with the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq. All three laid down their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping Missions last year.

Mr. President,

8. South Sudan is on the cusp of a historic moment. The youngest nation in the world will be completing a decade of existence as a sovereign and independent country in next few weeks. Ten years back, India had joined other Council members in welcoming South Sudan into the comity of nations on 9 July 2011. India is cognizant of the enormous challenges South Sudan is confronted with, in its path towards peace and stability. We also recognize the progress made by South Sudan and its peoples, particularly in the last three years. It is important to maintain this momentum. We believe, at this transformative phase, South Sudan requires wholehearted support of the international community, IGAD, AU and UN.

9. India firmly believes that our actions in the Council should enable the emergence of South Sudan as a confident nation to realize the dream of its leaders.  Just as India and Africa fought colonialism together, India will continue to support South Sudan, and its people in this journey towards sustainable peace and a prosperous future.

I thank you.

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