Security Council extends UNMISS mandate for a year

April 29, 2024 (NEW YORK) –  The Security Council on Monday extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for one year to prevent a return to civil war and an escalation of violence in the East African nation.

The Council, adopting resolution 2729 (2024) by a vote of 13 in favour to none against, with two abstentions, renewed the mission’s mandate until 30 April 2025 and maintained its force levels with a troop ceiling of 17,000 personnel and a police ceiling of 2,101 personnel, including 88 justice and corrections advisors.

The Security Council’s decision comes as South Sudan prepares for its first elections, more than a decade after it attained its independence from Sudan.

Meanwhile, China’s deputy representative to the UN, Dai Bing, told the Security Council that the resolution puts too much pressure on the South Sudanese government, while making judgements “beyond reasonable limits.”

“China supports the efforts of UNMISS by taking into account the actual situation and specific needs of the country to provide constructive electoral assistance to South Sudan,” Dai told the UN Security Council, adding “In doing so, it should fully respect the sovereignty and ownership of South Sudan and consult with South Sudan fully to avoid imposing external solutions and unrealistic standards”.

The Chinese diplomat criticized the draft resolution for its approach towards South Sudan’s internal affairs, particularly regarding the upcoming general elections.

“The draft resolution makes harsh accusations against the Government of South Sudan on issues such as general elections and even judges the internal affairs of South Sudan, which clearly goes beyond reasonable limits,” he explained.

Dai told the Council that South Sudan, having recently achieved statehood, lacks the experience needed to organize general elections effectively.

UNMISS was establish on 8 July 2011 by Security Council Resolution 1996 (2011).

(ST)