The Government of South Sudan has criticized financial arrangements of the UN peacekeepers in the country saying they are not transparent and √É’contributed negatively in the economy of South Sudan.’
Vice President Riek Machar Teny sent a 11-page report to the UN Security Council last Wednesday evaluating the mandate of UNMISS, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, established on July 9, 2011.The document that CRN received a copy says UNMISS failed in building airfields, bridges, roads and community centres although it has a huge administrative budget.
It criticizes the mission for keeping its accounts outside South Sudan and feed the black market through sale of hard currency.
The document proposes the downsizing of UNMISS.
The Government reclaims the right to vet employment of foreigners, especially Sudanese citizens, and control supplies and equipment imported by the mission.
It added that it is inappropriate that UNMISS should operate with a mandate under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter and asked for its review.
The report – very negative in tone – praises the achievements of the Government during the first year of independence and criticizes the action of UNMISS in the country, saying it failed to protect civilians during Sudanese airstrikes.
However, in a letter to the current president of the UN Security Council, Chinese ambassador Li Baodong, Dr Machar recognizes that UNMISS has been able to support and contribute towards the realization of peace and security in South Sudan.
He added that the UNMISS provided valuable support to the Government throughout the inter-communal violence in Jonglei State and providing strong logistical support to the Peace, Reconciliation and Tolerance Committee.