By Otto Abut
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan said the Government of South Sudan must be encouraged to increase momentum towards democratic elections as agreed and sought by South Sudanese.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom said South Sudan must do so by simply taking the political decisions which are required of it, and backing them with financial resources.
The Head of UNMISS confirmed that the UN is focused on seeing that South Sudan can implement the elections that they seek with the required political will and demonstrate togetherness with the spirit of constructive compromise in recognition of their shared destiny.
“It is our view that South Sudan can implement the elections that they seek with the required political will, and if they demonstrate the capacity to act together with the spirit of constructive compromise and in recognition of their shared destiny.” He appealed.
He however emphasised that UNMISS intends to take all steps to avoid any war possibility because it would be devastating if the fragile region, the Horn of Africa, were to endure two wars at the same time, in Sudan and South Sudan.
“All we are asking for is the implementation of the measures agreed upon by the parties themselves with each other—including those provisions which allow them to amend the current provisions of the peace agreement.”
He added that failing to implement those provisions would not only undermine the prospect of credible and peaceful elections but would simultaneously undermine the peace agreement itself, even threatening its survival.