The United Nations Security Council has voted on May 8 to extend the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for another year, as escalating instability threatens to unravel fragile peace efforts in the world’s youngest nation.
The decision comes amid mounting concerns over sporadic violence, political tensions, and delays in implementing key components of the 2018 peace agreement, which ended a brutal five-year civil war that killed an estimated 400,000 people and displaced millions.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of armed struggle, but the promise of peace was short-lived. By 2013, internal divisions erupted into a devastating civil war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing his former deputy, Riek Machar. Though a peace deal was signed in 2018, progress has been sluggish and marred by recurring clashes, lack of trust between parties, and humanitarian crises exacerbated by floods and famine. The transitional unity government formed in 2020 has struggled to meet deadlines, particularly on unifying armed forces and holding national elections.
The UNMISS renewal ensures continued support for protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid, and supporting the peace process, including election preparations now slated for late 2024. The Security Council emphasised the importance of political inclusivity, accountability, and dialogue to prevent a relapse into conflict. As tensions rise and critical timelines are missed, the mission’s extension is viewed as vital for sustaining international engagement and averting a return to full-scale violence.