UN Peacekeepers at their compound in Juba during the commemoration of the UN Peacekeepers Day. They paid tribute to their colleagues who have given their lives while serving under the UN flag. |Photo: Nektarios Markogiannis/UNMISS|.
Friday, 30 May 2025
The Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Deputy Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Guang Cong, raised alarm over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the war-torn South Sudan.
Guang Cong expressed this deep worry while addressing an event organised to honour the contribution of the UN peacekeepers in maintaining peace, security, and safety of the civil population facing persecution and armed violence, in Juba on Thursday.
Cong said the deteriorating security situation, characterised by military confrontations and inter-communal conflict, caused 9.3 million people to depend on humanitarian assistance, despite the reduction in the funds due to the suspension of the USAID.
He unveiled a plan to deploy UN peacekeepers to provide a protective presence and help ensure that humanitarian aid safely reaches those most in need.
He stated that the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement continues to stagnate, despite the criticality in progressing the transition towards peaceful, free, and credible elections at the end of the transitional period in December 2026.
āThis United Nations flag in front of the Force Headquarters from today will not fly by the wind that breezes through but by the last breath of these valiant, brave hearts,ā said UNMISS Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian.
The last message of the day was from peacekeepers to the people they serve.
āWe thank you for your unwavering support,ā said Cong. āWe stand with you at this difficult time as you persevere against all odds to secure the better future that you deserve, because peace begins with me, with you, with all of us.ā
Cong said, āDespite all these obstacles, the people of South Sudan continue to demonstrate extraordinary patience, resilience, and determination.ā
āAs an impartial partner, the UNMISS role is to support all parties leading the transformation of this country. We, together with our regional and international partners, urge parties to the peace agreement to resolve tensions through dialogue, build trust and confidence, secure a cessation of hostilities, and take the necessary steps to fully implement the peace agreement,ā he added.
āWe are facilitating forums for political engagement at all levels, empowering women and youth to lead and participate in governance and peace processes, and supporting election preparations through technical assistance and the construction of new infrastructure for electoral bodies,ā he stated.
Cong said the mission is also building the capacity of the rule of law sector by supporting nationally led legislative reform, building courts, prisons, and police stations, and deploying mobile courts to bring justice to places where it has been absent for far too long.
He said the peacekeeping engineers are working day and night to repair thousands of kilometres of roads around the country, as well as maintaining more than 80 kilometres of dykes in Bentiu, protecting hundreds of thousands of people surrounded by flood waters.
āWe are deploying to conflict hotspots, where we can, to provide a protective presence and help ensure that humanitarian aid safely reaches those most in need,ā he said.
āThese actions demonstrate why it is more important than ever that our peacekeepers have unhindered access to each and every part of the country, so that we can continue our work to support the people of South Sudan,ā he added.
Prior to the official ceremony, a new memorial was also unveiled to recognise the extraordinary efforts of uniformed personnel, who persevere in the face of many obstacles, to protect civilians and deter violence across the country, with some sadly losing their lives in the line of duty.
āThis United Nations flag in front of the Force Headquarters from today will not fly by the wind that breezes through but by the last breath of these valiant brave hearts,ā said UNMISS Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian.