The United Kingdom on Tuesday urged South Sudan’s authorities to let the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country, known as UNMISS, work without obstruction. Ambassador Kate Foster, the UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, made the call at a Security Council meeting on South Sudan in New York.
Foster said restrictions imposed by the Caretaker Government continue to obstruct the mission’s work. She said the authorities must honor the Status of Forces Agreement and give the mission the freedom of movement it needs to protect civilians. The statement did not describe the restrictions in detail.
Foster called UNMISS “indispensable to the protection of civilians.” She said the UK commends its work to deter violence, protect communities and enable humanitarian access.
She opened by offering condolences to the families of three UN peacekeepers killed in Jonglei in August and wished those injured a swift recovery. The UK condemns attacks on peacekeepers, she said, and such attacks may constitute war crimes.
On politics, Foster said South Sudan is approaching a critical point in its transition. She said the South Sudanese people have the right to choose their leaders, but elections should contribute to peace and stability rather than deepen division or replace the political process. She said the establishment of new caretaker arrangements, while key parts of the 2018 Peace Agreement remain unfulfilled, has further weakened political consensus.
Foster called on all parties to uphold the ceasefire, open political and civic space, and take part in inclusive dialogue. She welcomed efforts by the African Union, IGAD, Special Representative Gbeho and High Representative Kikwete to support those steps.
Foster also described a worsening humanitarian situation. She said renewed conflict is forcing families from their homes, deepening hunger and making it harder for aid groups to reach people in need. She said conflict across the region adds to the pressure.
According to Foster, almost 8 million people in South Sudan already face acute food insecurity. She said the authorities must ensure safe, timely and unhindered humanitarian access and seek to protect humanitarian workers.
Foster also said public resources continue to be mismanaged and essential services are severely unfunded. She said just 2% of the national budget is spent on health and education, and that ordinary South Sudanese feel the consequences most acutely.
The statement did not announce any Security Council action or say what steps the UK would take next.