Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, for your comprehensive briefing today. I also wish to welcome the representative of South Sudan to this meeting.
The United Nations Security Council convened to discuss the ongoing situation in South Sudan, three months after SRSG Haysom's last briefing. Concerns remain as little progress has been made since the parties failed to implement the peace agreement, leading to an extension of the transitional period in 2022. The leadership in South Sudan has yet to fulfill commitments made to its citizens.
With a month remaining before SRSG provides an assessment on election readiness, there is a call for urgent action from the transitional government. Preparations identified by UNMISS, AU, and IGAD are deemed critical for elections to proceed.
The United States emphasized urgency in addressing pending election preparations noted in the Secretary-General’s February 24 report. These include issues related to "the constitution-making process, the type and number of elections, voter registration modalities, inclusion of displaced people, an integrated election security plan, an election dispute resolution mechanism and an election timeline."
In light of South Sudanese leaders' failure to demonstrate political will for free and fair elections, the U.S. reiterated that further financial resources should not be allocated without urgent action from the transitional government. Funding must be linked with progress on peace processes and improved humanitarian access.
Attention was drawn towards how South Sudan's transitional government spends its oil revenue amidst interrupted exports. There is a call for transparency regarding these funds and their allocation towards electoral institutions like the National Electoral Commission.
Open civic space remains crucial for credible elections amid ongoing insecurity concerns due to intercommunal violence threatening electoral prospects. Recent violence in Warrap State and Abyei resulted in civilian casualties and deaths of UNISFA peacekeepers; accountability is demanded from South Sudanese authorities.
The humanitarian situation also raises alarms with over 500,000 refugees returning according to recent reports. The international community is urged to support efforts bridging humanitarian financing gaps while ensuring unhindered aid delivery.
The need for commitment towards credible elections and accountability measures is stressed upon; failure could impact national security and prosperity adversely.
Thank you, Mr. President.