South Sudan
May 2022
On 26 May 2022, the Security Council adopted resolution 2633 renewing the South Sudan sanctions regime until 1 July 2023 by a vote of 10 in favour and five abstentions (China, Gabon, India, Kenya, and Russia).
March 2022
Council members were briefed on South Sudan on 7 March 2022. Special Representative and head of UNMISS Nicolas Haysom briefed the Council on the 90-day report of the Secretary-General. Major General (Retired) Charles Tai Gituai, Interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and Riya Williams Yuyada, a civil society representative, also briefed. On 15 March, the Council adopted resolution 2625, extending the mandate of UNMISS for one year, with 13 votes in favour. China and Russia abstained.
December 2021
The Council was briefed on 15 December 2021, by Special Representative and head of the UNMISS Nicolas Haysom. A representative of the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the UN, the chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, briefed on the committee’s work. Consultations followed the briefing.
September 2021
The Council was briefed on South Sudan on 15 September 2021 by Special Representative and head of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom, OCHA’s Director for Operations and Advocacy Reena Ghelani, and a representative of civil society, Merekaje Lorna Nanjia. Haysom expressed concern over the increase in subnational violence, the proliferation of weapons, increasing restrictions in civic space, a deteriorating humanitarian situation, and rising attacks on aid workers.
June 2021
Council members were briefed on South Sudan on 21 June 2021 by Special Representative and head of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom for the first time since he took up the role in April. Haysom highlighted “the pervasive insecurity, in particular intercommunal violence” and noted that the mission “intends to enhance collaboration and promote greater coherence among international partners”, including IGAD and the AU. Rajab Mohandis, executive director and co-founder of the Organization for Responsive Governance, also briefed as a member of civil society. He emphasised that leadership “has been grossly lacking in South Sudan since the country became independent and, as it stands now, there is no clarity as to where the country is heading”.
May 2021
On 28 May 2021, the Council adopted resolution 2577 which renewed the South Sudan sanctions regime for one year—including targeted sanctions and the arms embargo—and the mandate of the South Sudan Sanctions Committee’s Panel of Experts. Kenya and India abstained. The resolution contained five benchmarks for the review of the arms embargo, namely completion of the Strategic Defense and Security Review process contained in the R-ARCSS; formation of the Necessary Unified Forces; progress on the establishment and implementation of the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process; progress on properly managing existing arms and ammunition stockpiles and implementation of the Joint Action Plan for the Armed Forces on addressing conflict-related sexual violence.
March 2021
Council members were briefed on South Sudan on 3 March 2021 by David Shearer, the outgoing Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), on the Secretary-General’s 90-day report dated 23 February. Shearer raised concern over a power vacuum at the local level, which has presented opportunities for spoilers and national actors to exploit local tensions and fuel violence. Jackline Nasiwa, Founder and National Director, Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice, briefed as a member of civil society based in South Sudan. On 12 March, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2567, renewing the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for one year. The resolution maintained the overall ceilings of 17,000 troops and 2,101 police personnel. It contained a new paragraph deciding that UNMISS will advance a three-year strategic vision to prevent a return to civil war, build durable peace, and support elections. It also called on the government of South Sudan and all relevant actors to fulfil a series of priority measures before the end of UNMISS’s mandate in March. These included providing security to re-designated protection of civilian sites, the graduation and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces, and signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the AU to establish the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, as agreed under Chapter 5 of the R-ARCSS.
December 2020
Council members were briefed on South Sudan on 15 December 2020 in an open videoconference (VTC), followed by a closed VTC. The briefers were Special Representative and head of UNMISS David Shearer and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock. On 15 December 2020, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy (Viet Nam), chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, briefed the Council on South Sudan sanctions. On 15 December 2020, the Council received the independent strategic review of UNMISS, requested in resolution 2514
September 2020
On 16 September, Council members held an open VTC, followed by a closed VTC, to discuss UNMISS (S/2020/914). The briefers were Nyachangkuouth Ramban Tai, representing the civil society organisation Assistance Mission for Africa, and Special Representative and head of UNMISS David J. Shearer. Ramban Tai spoke about intercommunal violence in South Sudan and emphasised the Security Council’s protection of civilians role. Shearer described delays in security sector reform and in reconstituting the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in South Sudan.
July 2020
On 13 July, the Security Council issued a press statement welcoming developments in South Sudan’s peace process, including the agreement between the parties to the Revitalised Agreement on the allocation of states’ leadership positions and the announcement of governors. It also called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity to end delays in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and urged the parties to finalise security arrangements, establish transitional government institutions and to make progress on transitional reforms. It expressed concern about increased violence between armed groups in South Sudan in recent months and called on the parties to work toward preventing such violence. The press statement briefly addressed issues such as South Sudan’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the dire humanitarian situation and cooperation between South Sudanese authorities and humanitarian agencies, and the role of IGAD, while calling on the South Sudanese government to ensure UNMISS’ freedom of movement.
June 2020
On 23 June, Council members held an open VTC, followed by a closed VTC, on South Sudan (S/2020/582) covering the Secretary-General’s latest report on this issue (S/2020/536). David Shearer, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, and Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, briefed.
May 2020
On 29 May 2020, the Council adopted resolution 2521, renewing the South Sudan sanctions regime until 31 May and the mandate of the Panel of Experts until 1 July. China, Russia and South Africa abstained. The Council expressed its intention to carry out a midterm review of the sanctions measures by 15 December 2020 and “its readiness to consider adjusting [these] measures…including through modifying, suspending, lifting or strengthening measures to respond to the situation”. The resolution also requested the Secretariat to provide the Council with a report assessing the role of the arms embargo in facilitating implementation of the R-ARCSS and articulating options for the elaboration of benchmarks, which the Council received on 31 October 2020.
March 2020
On 4 March, the Council was briefed by David Shearer, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, on the Secretary-General’s 90-day report. Shearer reported on several positive developments in the country and said that UNMISS had stepped up its protective presence to build confidence in areas of return. Betty Sunday, Coordinator of the Women’s Monthly Forum on the Peace and Political Process in South Sudan, briefed the Council as a civil society representative by video-teleconference from Juba. The briefing was followed by consultations. Also on 4 March, Council members issued a press statement that welcomed the formation of a Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity. On 12 March, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2514 renewing the mandate of UNMISS until 15 March 2021. The resolution maintains the overall force levels at their mandated ceilings of 17,000 troops and 2,101 police personnel. The four core elements of the mandate remain largely unchanged, namely protecting civilians, creating the conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance, supporting the peace process, and monitoring and investigating human rights.
December 2019
On 17 December, the Council was briefed on the Secretary-General’s 90-day report on South Sudan by Special Representative for South Sudan and head of UNMISS David Shearer. Ambassador Joanna Wronecka (Poland), chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, also briefed. Consultations followed the briefing.
October 2019
On 8 October, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement on the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) of 12 September 2018. The statement welcomed initial progress implementing the R-ARCSS and called on the parties to expedite the process of implementing transitional security arrangements and to continue consultation on the issue of the number and boundaries of states.
September 2019
On 18 September, Special Representative for South Sudan and head of UNMISS David Shearer briefed the Security Council on the Secretary-General’s 90-day report on the situation in South Sudan and the Secretary-General’s report on “future planning for the protection of civilians sites” in South Sudan, as requested in resolution 2459. Consultations followed the briefing. “The peace process remains precarious, but progress is being made,” Shearer said, emphasising that progress depends on sustained goodwill between the parties and the attention of international partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the AU.
June 2019
On 25 June, Special Representative and head of UNMISS David Shearer briefed the Council on UNMISS and the 90-day report of the Secretary-General. Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour and civil society representative Lydia Minagano (via video teleconference from Juba, South Sudan) also briefed. The briefing was followed by consultations.
March 2019
On 8 March, the Council received a briefing from Special Representative and head of UNMISS David Shearer. A civil society representative based in South Sudan also briefed. Council members held consultations following the briefing. On 15 March, the Council adopted resolution 2459 renewing the mandate of UNMISS for an additional year, by 14 votes in favour with Russia abstaining. The resolution maintains the troop ceiling of 17,000 troops. Language was added specifying that “advice or technical assistance, within existing resources” can be a part of the mission’s good offices efforts to support the peace process and also calling on the mission to “support the facilitation of the safe, informed, voluntary, and dignified return or relocation of IDPs from United Nations protection of civilian sites”. Following the vote, statements were made by China, Kuwait, Russia and the US.
December 2018
On 7 December, the Council issued a press statement condemning “the heinous incidents of sexual and gender-based violence against women near Bentiu in northern South Sudan” and calling for accountability. The statement also reiterated the Council’s willingness to impose targeted sanctions against individuals or entities responsible and called for the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan. On 18 December, the Council received a briefing from Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on the Secretary-General’s 90-day report on South Sudan. Also briefed Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten also briefed (via video teleconference) and Ambassador Joanna Wronecka (Poland), the chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee. On 21 December 2018, the Council issued a press statement that strongly condemned the assault, detention and abuse of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism team by government officials on 18 December 2018 in Luri, South Sudan and called on the government to investigate the incident immediately and hold those responsible accountable.
November 2018
On 16 November, the Council was briefed on South Sudan by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Smaïl Chergui (via video teleconference) and Executive Director of UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka who reported on their joint visit to South Sudan from 7 to 9 October. The joint visit focused on promoting women’s meaningful participation and leadership in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan as well as the role of the AU and the UN in supporting the agreement.
September 2018
On 18 September, the Council was briefed by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on the Secretary-General’s 90-day report. Lacroix reported that the international community must send a strong message to the parties in conflict that with the new peace agreement signed, there is no longer any justification for continued clashes. Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismail Wais also briefed. A civil society representative based in South Sudan briefed via video teleconference.
August 2018
On 10 August, Security Council members held consultations on South Sudan, focusing on food security and developments in the peace process. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock, Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom, and Special Representative and head of UNMISS David Shearer briefed during the consultations. Following this, Council members issued press elements expressing “grave concern about the level of food insecurity”, with the ongoing conflict “being one of the main direct causes” and demanding that all parties allow unhindered humanitarian access. The press elements also welcomed the region’s role in reaching agreement on outstanding governance and security issues but noted that “considerable challenges remain”, including the need for detailed plans for implementation. In addition, they called for immediate implementation of the ceasefire and for the parties to demonstrate commitment to fully implement and finalise a more inclusive and revitalised ARCSS. On 20 August, the Secretary-General appointed five members of the Sanctions Committee’s Panel of Experts until 1 July 2019. On 27 August, committee chair Ambassador Joanna Wronecka (Poland) and the coordinator of the Panel of Experts briefed the committee on their respective reports following their visit to South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya from 16 to 26 June.
July 2018
On 5 July, Council members were briefed in consultations by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on the Secretary-General’s assessment of the security and political situation in South Sudan, requested by resolution 2418. On 13 July, the Council adopted resolution 2428, imposing an arms embargo on South Sudan until 31 May 2019 and designating two additional individuals to be subject to targeted sanctions: Paul Malong Awan, the former chief of staff of South Sudan’s army who became a rebel leader, and Malek Reuben Riak, former deputy chief of general staff of South Sudan’s army. The resolution, adopted with nine votes in favour and six abstentions (Bolivia, China, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan and Russia) also renewed the South Sudan sanctions regime until 31 May 2019 and the Sanctions Committee’s Panel of Experts until 1 July 2019. On 26 July, Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten briefed the Council under “any other business” on her trip to South Sudan earlier that month.
June 2018
On 28 June, the Security Council was briefed by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Bintou Keita on the Secretary-General’s 90-day report (S/2018/609). Keita said regional engagement and the face-to-face meetings between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar are positive developments, while cautioning that peace would not be achieved or sustained merely on the basis of a deal between the two leaders. She emphasized that the Council must give its constant support and engagement to ensure that all stakeholders understood that the international community would support a peaceful South Sudan, and that there would be consequences for those who kept fuelling the conflict.
May 2018
On 8 May, the Council was briefed on South Sudan by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix; IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismail Wais (via video teleconference); and a civil society representative based in Juba, Jackline Nasiwa (also via video teleconference). Ambassador Joanna Wronecka of Poland, chair of the South Sudan Sanctions Committee, briefed on the committee’s work. On 31 May, the Council adopted a resolution (S/RES/2418) that renewed the sanctions regime and mandate of the Panel of Experts until 15 July 2018. It also requested the Secretary-General to report by 30 June whether any fighting has taken place since adoption of the resolution and to report on whether the parties have come to a viable political agreement. It decides that if the Secretary-General reports such fighting or lack of a viable political agreement, it shall consider applying targeted sanctions to the six individuals identified in Annex 1 and/or an arms embargo within five days of the Secretary-General’s report. The resolution was adopted with nine votes in favour and six abstentions (Bolivia, China, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan and Russia).
March 2018
On 15 March, UNMISS’ mandate was unanimously extended for one year (S/RES/2406). The Council decided to maintain the overall force levels of a maximum of 17,000 troops, which includes a Regional Protection Force (RPF) at levels to be set by the Secretary-General but not exceeding 4,000, and no more than 2,101 police personnel. The resolution also expresses the Council’s intention to “consider all measures, including an arms embargo, as appropriate, to deprive the parties of the means to continue fighting and to prevent violations” of the 21 December 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
February 2018
On 27 February, the Council received a briefing on the special report of the Secretary-General on the renewal of UNMISS’ mandate and the findings on the independent review from Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Bintou Keita who said the current UNMISS mandate remains valid and should be extended for another year, with some modifications. IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismail Wais also briefed. Special Representative for South Sudan and head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) David Shearer and Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom briefed during consultations.
January 2018
On 24 January, the Council was briefed on South Sudan by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix who urged members to speak out clearly against violations of the 21 December 2017 cessation of hostilities agreement and “to take the decisive actions necessary to impose real consequences.” JMEC Chairperson Festus Mogae briefed (via VTC) and said that three signatories had so far violated the agreement; he similarly urged the Council to impose consequences. Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Ursula Mueller also briefed and said civilians continue to be killed and forcibly displaced, with several thousand people fleeing to Ethiopia and Uganda in January. Humanitarian access remains highly complex and unpredictable despite President Salva Kiir’s decree of 9 November 2017, which ordered free, unimpeded and unhindered movement for humanitarian aid convoys, she said.
December 2017
On 7 December, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed the Council on the Secretary-General’s 90-day report. He told the Council that in a challenging environment, UNMISS had endeavoured to be more robust, nimble and proactive; helped to protect humanitarian facilities, facilitate aid delivery, and evacuate humanitarian personnel; and intervened to protect civilians from abduction, illegal recruitment, sexual violence, and harassment. He added that mission patrols had reached areas where they had long been denied access. IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan Ismail Wais, also briefed the Council for the first time on 7 December 2017. On 8 December, there was a briefing by the chairs of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, at which Ambassador Fodé Seck (Senegal) briefed on the work of the South Sudan Sanctions Committee. He highlighted the Panel of Experts’ recommendations that the Council impose a general arms embargo on South Sudan and that the Committee identify those responsible for actions and policies that threaten peace, security and stability in South Sudan. On 14 December, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2392, extending until 15 March 2018 the provisions of resolution 2327 which renewed UNMISS’s mandate for one year in December 2016. The three-month technical rollover allows for the completion of the strategic review of UNMISS currently underway and for Council members to consider its recommendations. At the initiative of the Secretary-General, a strategic review of UNMISS began in mid-November, one of several comprehensive reviews of peacekeeping operations. Also on 14 December, the Council adopted a presidential statement expressing “strong support” for the High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) organised by IGAD, adding that it “looks forward” to the convening of a fully inclusive forum and substantive progress on the initiative by the end of December 2017. The presidential statement also “underlines that no party should set pre-conditions to participation, and that there must be cost and consequences for those who undermine the HLRF process”. It added that the forum is “a last chance for the parties to achieve sustainable peace and stability”.
November 2017
On 28 November, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Bintou Keita briefed the Council on the situation in South Sudan and expressed concern over the real risk of an escalation in violence with the onset of the dry season, and the government’s push to assert military dominance across the country. She also underlined the importance of having unified and unconditional international support to the political process, which will involve “very difficult and arduous discussions”.
October 2017
On 17 October, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed the Council on the Secretary-General’s confidential 30‑day report on the deployment of the RPF and any obstructions to UNMISS as well as the general situation in the country. Lacroix strongly urge the Council to pronounce itself on the government’s continued violations of the status of forces agreement and restrictions imposed by opposition forces. He also called on the Council to send a strong message to the government and opposition leaders to cooperate with IGAD’s initiative to revitalize the peace process. On the RPF, deployment of Rwandan and Ethiopian battalions was underway, he said.
September 2017
On 26 September, Special Representative Shearer and Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Chairman Festus Mogae (via VTC) briefed the Council. Shearer said while the government appears emboldened by its recent military gains, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, and the central conflict resolution strategy must be political mediation via the IGAD High Level Revitalization Forum.He also emphasised the need for international actors to engage South Sudan with a unity of purpose to support the peace process. Mogae said that little substantial progress had been made in the implementation of key provisions of the August 2015 agreement, and spoke about preparations for the IGAD Revitalization Forum.
August 2017
On 24 August, the Council was briefed by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations El-Ghassim Wane, Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom, and Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Chairman Festus Mogae. Wane highlighted that enhanced cooperation with the government would be critical for the Regional Protection Force to carry out its mandate. Haysom focused on the current five internal and regional initiatives to restart the political process, none of which have, he said, so far produced a definite breakthrough. Mogae discussed IGAD’s upcoming High Level Revitalization Forum, saying its success requires demonstrable political will by the relevant parties to be inclusive; clear consequences for intransigent groups, spoilers and violators; and commitments by the parties to adhere to revised timelines and implementation schedules. Following closed consultations, Council members issued elements to the press condemning the fighting in Pagak, demanding that the government cease obstructions to UNMISS and the RPF, noting the temporary grounding of UN flights, and reminding all parties that the obstruction of activities of international peacekeeping may be subject to sanctions under resolutions 2206 and 2290.
July 2017
On 20 July, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations El Ghassim Wane and Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Chairman Festus Mogae briefed the Council on the situation in South Sudan. Wane spoke about the ongoing fighting in the Upper Nile and Eastern Equatoria regions, and noted with concern that President Kiir continues to replace opposition-aligned members of the nominal Transitional Government of National Unity with his own supporters or those loyal to Vice-President Taban Deng Gai. Mogae reported on his interactions with IGAD and regional leaders and discussed IGAD’s steps to revitalise the political process.
June 2017
On 21 June, the Council was briefed by the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom. Lacroix emphasised that the current humanitarian crisis in South Sudan was the result of the decision by all parties to continue fighting. He said that unless a ceasefire was implemented and the political process restarted, it would not be possible to hold free, fair, and peaceful elections in 2018. Haysom briefed on recent efforts to restart the political process, including UN support for the 31st Extra-Ordinary IGAD Summit and resulting communiqué.
May 2017
On 5 May, Council members issued a press statement strongly condemning the attack on UNMISS personnel that took place on 3 May in Leer, South Sudan. The Council expressed appreciation of the efforts taken by peacekeepers to repel the attack. On 24 May, the Council was briefed by the Special Representative for the Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, David Shearer, on the Secretary-General’s 30-day assessment of the deployment and future requirements of the RPF, obstacles to setting up the force, and impediments to UNMISS in carrying out its mandate. Shearer noted that initial elements of the RPF have begun to arrive in Juba, including a number of engineers to prepare base locations in advance of the full deployment of the force. Shearer welcomed the government’s declaration of a ceasefire and said there would be close scrutiny on whether it is maintained. Also on 24 May, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2353 renewing the South Sudan sanctions regime and the mandate for the South Sudan Panel of Experts for an additional year.
April 2017
On 25 April, the Council was briefed on the situation in South Sudan by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, David Shearer. This was the first time Shearer had briefed the Council since taking up the post in January. Shearer focused on recent incidents of violence, the deteriorating humanitarian situation, and progress UNMISS has made in strengthening its protection activities.
March 2017
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O’Brien discussed the situation in South Sudan during his 10 March humanitarian briefing of the Council. Referring to his 4-5 March visit to South Sudan, O’Brien said the “situation is worse than it has ever been.” He added that “active hostilities, access denials and bureaucratic impediments continue to curtail…efforts to reach people who…need help”, while “aid workers have been killed” and “humanitarian compounds and supplies have been attacked, looted and occupied by armed actors”. On 23 March, Secretary-General António Guterres, Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Chairman Festus Mogae and Betty Sunday, the Coordinator of the Women’s Monthly Forum on Peace and Political Processes in South Sudan, briefed the Council in a meeting chaired by UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson. A presidential statement was adopted during the meeting in which the Council called on the parties to adhere to a permanent ceasefire and underscored the need for a political solution to the crisis in South Sudan.
February 2017
Secretary-General Guterres briefed Council members in consultations on 3 February on his meetings at the AU Summit, held in late January in Addis Ababa, and spoke at length about South Sudan. He reiterated the points made in the joint UN, AU and IGAD press statement of 29 January that states that the three organisations would work together on the political process. On 10 February, Council members issued a press statement condemning the fighting in South Sudan and stressed the importance of the political process. They further expressed their disappointment that the transitional government of national unity had continued to “act inconsistently with…its obligations under the Status of Forces Agreement with the United Nations.” Council members were briefed in consultations by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations El Ghassim Wane and Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour on 23 February. In elements to the press read out following the meeting, Council members expressed alarm at the declaration of a famine in parts of South Sudan and widespread food insecurity, calling it a direct result of the conflict and the obstruction of humanitarian access. On 24 February, Council members Uruguay, Senegal and Sweden co-hosted an Arria-formula meeting with the heads of the human rights components of UNMISS, the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC and the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia.
January 2017
On 23 January, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed Council members in consultations on South Sudan. The same day, Council members held an informal interactive dialogue with Festus Mogae, former President of Botswana and the chair of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, responsible for overseeing the implementation of the August 2015 South Sudan peace agreement. Ambassador Olof Skoog (Sweden), President of the Council in January, read out elements to the press on behalf of Council members at the stakeout after the meetings. Among other things, members expressed concern about the fighting throughout South Sudan, called on all actors to end hate speech, called on the government to work constructively with the UN on a swift deployment of the RPF and encouraged the engagement of the Secretary-General in a reinvigorated political process.
December 2016
On 9 December, the Council approved the Secretary-General’s appointment of David Shearer of New Zealand as Special Representative for South Sudan and head of UNMISS. On 16 December the Security Council adopted resolution 2327, which reauthorised the mandate of UNMISS, including the Regional Protection Force. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O’Brien briefed the Council on South Sudan on 19 December, after which members discussed the issue in consultations. On 23 December, the Council voted on a draft resolution to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan and targeted sanctions (assets freezes and travel bans) on three key government and opposition figures—Paul Malong, Chief of Staff of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) (i.e. the government’s army); Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s Minister of Information; and opposition leader Riek Machar. The draft resolution failed to be adopted, receiving seven affirmative votes (France, New Zealand, Spain, Ukraine, Uruguay, the UK and the US) and eight abstentions (Angola, China, Egypt, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Senegal and Venezuela).
November 2016
Council members held consultations on South Sudan on 3 November, during which they were briefed by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous. Ladsous reported on fighting occurring in various parts of the country and the growing incidence of hate speech. On 17 November, the Council held a briefing, followed by consultations, on UNMISS and the situation in South Sudan. UNMISS head and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ellen Margrethe Løj and Special Adviser Dieng briefed the Council.
October 2016
On 17 October, Council members held consultations on South Sudan, during which they were briefed by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous. Ladsous said that numerous impediments on the operations of UNMISS continued and that progress had not been made in deploying the RPF. Ladsous also said that he was worried about the increasingly inter-ethnic nature of the conflict. During the meeting, the US, the penholder on South Sudan, expressed its willingness to move forward with a draft resolution calling for an arms embargo on South Sudan, while some members stated their preference for giving South Sudan more time to adhere to resolution 2304 and to fulfil commitments made in the joint 4 September communiqué.
September 2016
A Council delegation visited South Sudan and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1 to 5 September on a mission co-led by Ambassador Samantha Power (US) and Ambassador Fodé Seck (Senegal). While in South Sudan, Council members met with high-level government officials, including President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Taban Deng Gai; civil society representatives; religious leaders; and UNMISS staff. Council members also visited protection of civilians sites in Juba and in Wau, Western Bahr el-Ghazal state, where they met with IDPs. In Addis Ababa, Council members held meetings with President Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia in his capacity as chairman of IGAD and with the AU Peace and Security Council. On 4 September, while in South Sudan, the Council agreed on a joint communiqué with the Transitional Government of National Unity. In the communiqué, the government consented to the deployment of the Regional Protection Force as a part of UNMISS, agreeing that troop-contributing countries, UNMISS and the government would continue to “work through the modalities of deployment”. The government further committed to allow UNMISS freedom of movement in keeping with its mandate and to create by the end of September a plan with UNMISS “on concrete steps to remove impediments on UNMISS’s ability to implement its mandate…”. As for humanitarian access, the communiqué said that the government would provide “assistance in eliminating illegal checkpoints” and review with the UN humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan ways of “strengthening bureaucratic processes and access to populations in need”. On 14 September, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed Council members on UNMISS in consultations. He said that the mission continued to be hampered by freedom of movement restrictions and that the deployment of the Regional Protection Force would largely depend on the cooperation of the government, echoing points made in the Secretary-General’s confidential 8 September letter to the Council. Following the meeting, Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen of New Zealand, Council President in September, read out press elements on behalf of the members. Council members said that they expected the government to implement its commitments regarding the deployment of the Regional Protection Force, freedom of movement of UNMISS and a clear improvement in humanitarian access. On 16 September, the Panel of Experts of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee briefed the Committee on the Panel’s recent report on security threats facing South Sudan’s transitional government of national unity. The report states that the security threats facing South Sudan are internal in nature, stemming from the actions and policies of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition. In the report, the panel underscored inter-ethnic violence and impediments to the work of UNMISS and its humanitarian partners as key features of the conflict. The Committee was also briefed by Zainab Bangura, the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, on sexual violence in South Sudan.
August 2016
On 11 August, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping El Ghassim Wane briefed Council members at the request of Russia under “any other business” on the situation in South Sudan. Some members had expected a briefing on operational details regarding the deployment of a regional protection force, but Wane focused his remarks on restrictions imposed on UNMISS and the political situation in the country. The briefing came one day after the Secretary-General sent a letter to the Council outlining the deteriorating security, humanitarian and human rights situation in South Sudan and appealing to the Council to take action to address the impediments faced by UNMISS in conducting its mandate. On 12 August, the Council adopted resolution 2304. In addition to extending the mandate of UNMISS until 15 December, it raised the troop ceiling of the mission to 17,000, including the authorisation of a regional protection force of 4,000 troops for an initial period ending on 15 December. The newly authorised force, which will report to the UNMISS force commander, is to be responsible for “providing a secure environment in and around Juba…and in extremis in other parts of South Sudan as necessary”. It will have a three-fold mandate: to facilitate movement into, out of and around Juba; to protect key facilities in Juba, including the airport; and to “promptly and effectively engage any actor that is…preparing attacks, or engages in attacks, against” UN facilities (including protection-of-civilians sites), UN personnel, humanitarian actors or civilians. On 24 August, under “any other business,” the US proposed the idea of a visiting mission to South Sudan in early September. None of the members objected to the proposal, and most members were favourably inclined to it; some advocated a stop in a neighbouring country to engage with key officials in the region.
July 2016
On 1 July, Council members issued a press statement expressing deep alarm at the fighting in Wau, South Sudan. On the evening of 9 July, Council members issued a press statement in which they condemned the fighting in Juba on 7-8 July and urged the transitional government to take steps to end the fighting and reduce tensions. On Sunday, 10 July, members held emergency consultations, called for by the US, the penholder on South Sudan, during which they were briefed by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous. An arms embargo, additional targeted sanctions and the reinforcement of UNMISS were among the potential options discussed by Ladsous and members to respond to the situation. Later that evening, Council members issued another press statement condemning the escalation of fighting in Juba. In the statement, members “expressed their readiness to consider enhancing UNMISS to better ensure that UNMISS and the international community can prevent and respond to violence in South Sudan,” while encouraging “states in the region to prepare to provide additional troops in the event the Council so decides”. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon discussed the situation with Council members on 12 July during the monthly lunch, and on 13 July, the Council received another briefing on South Sudan from Ladsous, followed by consultations.
June 2016
On 22 June, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O’Brien briefed Council members in consultations on the POC sites in South Sudan. Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UNMISS head Ellen Margrethe Løj was available via video teleconference to answer questions. The discussion focused on three confidential documents that were submitted to Council members in June: a lessons-learned report on the POC sites, the initial findings of the special investigation ordered by the Secretary-General to ascertain responsibilities for the violence at the Malakal POC site on 17-18 February and a document summarising the main recommendations of the Board of Inquiry report on the same incident. At the stakeout following the meeting, Ladsous said that “a unit and…individual officers” who had not performed adequately during the Malakal incident would be repatriated, although he did not specify the nationality of the peacekeepers. Council members received a briefing on 30 June under “any other business” from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations focusing on the situation in the newly formed Wau state. Thousands of people were displaced as a result of clashes in Wau on 24-25 June, between Dinka and Fertit ethnic groups. Men in SPLA uniforms reportedly supported the Dinka fighters.
May 2016
On 4 May, Council members issued a press statement welcoming the formation of the transitional government of national unity. The statement further underscored the importance of the transitional government in implementing the August 2015 peace agreement. At press time, members were negotiating a resolution to renew the mandate of the 2206 South Sudan sanctions regime.
April 2016
The Council adopted a technical rollover resolution on 7 April that renewed the mandate of the South Sudan sanctions regime for an additional seven weeks until 1 June. A presidential statement was adopted in conjunction with the resolution, indicating the Council’s intention to assess progress by 30 April on steps taken by the parties as outlined by the Council in its 17 March presidential statement. Those steps involve the implementation of the August 2015 peace agreement and a proposal for a national boundary commission to review the number of states in South Sudan and their boundaries, among other issues. On 19 April, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed Council members in consultations on the postponement of Machar’s return to Juba. Following the meeting, China in its capacity as Council president delivered elements to the press in which members expressed serious concern with the delay in Machar’s return to Juba and called for the transitional government of national unity to be formed quickly. The Council held a briefing, followed by consultations, on UNMISS and the situation in South Sudan on 26 April. During the briefing, Ladsous said that Machar’s return to Juba was a positive development, but cautioned that political and security trends needed to change for peace to take hold. Following the meeting, Council members again issued elements to the press urging the parties to quickly form the transitional government.
March 2016
On 2 March, the Council adopted a technical rollover resolution renewing the South Sudan sanctions regime for an additional six weeks until 15 April and the mandate of the Panel of Experts for 10 weeks until 15 May. The Council adopted a presidential statement on South Sudan on 17 March. The statement expressed deep concern that the parties have not fully adhered to their commitments to implement the August peace agreement. It stated that the Council will review progress by 31 March on five steps: adhering to the permanent ceasefire; completing the implementation of security arrangements for Juba; filling the positions of president, first vice president and vice president in the transitional government of national unity; abiding by and taking no action inconsistent with the January 2016 communiqué of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, which urged an inclusive national boundary commission to review the proposal to increase the number of states and their boundaries; and protecting civilians and civilian facilities, while allowing for full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. On 31 March, the Council met to discuss developments with regard to South Sudan since its 17 March presidential statement. The meeting was followed by consultations. Briefers included Festus Mogae, the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission; Ellen Margrethe Løj, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UN Mission in South Sudan, via VTC; Stephen O’Brien, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Kate Gilmour, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.
February 2016
On 19 February, the Council held a briefing, followed by consultations, on the situation in South Sudan and on UNMISS, as well as on the work of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee). The meeting included a discussion of the most recent UNMISS report and the final report of the Committee’s Panel of Experts. Regarding the situation in South Sudan and UNMISS, briefings by video teleconference were made by Deputy Special Representative Moustapha Soumaré; Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee Festus Mogae; and Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonovic. Ambassador Fodé Seck (Senegal), the Chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, briefed on the Sanctions Committee’s work. Also on 19 February, Council members issued a press statement condemning the violence in the Malakal protection of civilians site that resulted in the deaths of 18 people.
January 2016
On 14 January, the Panel of Experts of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee briefed the Committee on its final report.
November 2015
Council members met on 4 November to discuss the security situation in South Sudan in consultations. Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of UNMISS Ellen Margrethe Løj and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet spoke during the meeting. Briefing via video teleconference, Løj said that there had been some positive steps regarding implementation of the peace agreement, referring to the 3 November agreement on transitional security arrangements between the SPLA and the SPLA in Opposition and the fact that Ugandan forces had nearly completed their withdrawal from South Sudan. At the same time, she expressed concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Unity State. Løj spoke about the 26 October seizure of the barge in Unity State and the detention of UN staff on the barge. Mulet said that to enhance the mission’s ability to protect itself, 212 military liaison officers would gradually assume positions as military observers, and argued that the deployment of unarmed, unmanned aerial vehicles would help contribute to the protection of mission personnel.
October 2015
On 9 October, the Council adopted resolution 2241, adjusting the mandate of UNMISS to support implementation of the “Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan” (S/PV.7532). The vote was 13 in favour with two abstentions from Russia and Venezuela.
September 2015
On 4 September, Council members received a briefing in consultations from Special Representative and head of UNMISS Ellen Margrethe Løj on the situation in South Sudan following the signing in August of the “Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.” In elements to the press following the meeting, Council members “expressed deep concern at the recent reports of fighting and called upon the parties to adhere to the permanent cease-fire immediately and unconditionally.” A US proposal, jointly sponsored by France and the UK, to impose targeted sanctions on Paul Malong Awan, chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), and Johnson Olonyi, an SPLA in Opposition general, was put on hold by Angola, China, Russia and Venezuela prior to the 15 September expiry of a no-objection period. At press time, Council members were negotiating a US draft resolution to enhance the mandate of UNMISS by authorising it to support the implementation of the August peace agreement.
August 2015
UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson briefed Council members during “any other business” on 19 August. Eliasson, who had been in Addis Ababa during the South Sudan negotiations, stated that the international community needed to apply strong diplomatic pressure on South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to sign the peace agreement (i.e., “Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan”), which had been signed by the SPLM/A-IO on 17 August. Although he expressed reservations regarding parts of the agreement, Kiir signed on 26 August. On 27 August, the Council adopted a presidential statement welcoming the signing of the agreement.
July 2015
On 1 July, the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee imposed sanctions (travel bans and assets freezes) on six military figures, including three affiliated with the SPLA and three affiliated with the SPLA in Opposition. The designated individuals are Gabriel Jok Riak (SPLA Lieutenant General); Simon Gatwech Dual (SPLA in Opposition Major General); James Kuong Chuol (SPLA in Opposition Major General); Santino Deng Wol (SPLA Major General); Marial Chanuong Yol Mangok (SPLA Major General and commander of President Salva Kiir’s special guard); and Peter Gadet (SPLA in Opposition Major General). The designations—proposed by the US and jointly sponsored by France and the UK—are the first ones made under the sanctions regime established in resolution 2206 of 3 March. On 8 July, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Yoka Brandt briefed Council members under “any other business” on the human rights situation in South Sudan. On 9 July, Council members issued a press statement on South Sudan in which they condemned violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed in Unity and Upper Nile states in April and May.
June 2015
On 3 June, Council members issued a press statement expressing concern with the decision of the government of South Sudan on 29 May to expel Toby Lanzer, the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator for UNMISS (SC/11916). In the statement, Council members “condemned in the strongest terms the repeated violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.”
May 2015
On 12 May, at the request of the US, Council members held consultations regarding options for accountability and transitional justice in South Sudan. Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel Miguel de Serpa Soares briefed along with Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šiminović. On 14 May, Special Representative Ellen Margrethe Løj presented the most recent UNMISS report and Ambassador Carlos Olguín Cigarroa (Chile), representative of the chair of the 2206 South Sudan Sanctions Committee, briefed the Council. On 17 May, Council members issued a press statement condemning renewed large-scale violence in Unity state caused by a recent offensive by the government of South Sudan (SC/11897). On 28 May, the Council adopted resolution 2223 renewing the mandate of UNMISS for six months.
March 2015
The Council adopted resolution 2206 on 3 March creating a sanctions regime for South Sudan (S/PV.7396). On 18 March, Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan and Special Representative to the AU, briefed Council members in consultations, telling them that hardliners on both sides of the South Sudan conflict were committed to a military solution. On 24 March, the Council held a meeting to adopt a presidential statement that reiterated the intent to impose sanctions, including an arms embargo or targeted measures against senior figures who have threatened South Sudan’s peace, security and stability.
February 2015
On 24 February, the Council was briefed on the situation in South Sudan by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous and Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović. Ladsous highlighted the main findings of the Secretary-General’s report on UNMISS (S/2015/118), while Šimonović discussed his visit to the country in early February. In the consultations that followed the briefing, a draft resolution was circulated to members calling for the establishment of a sanctions regime on South Sudan.
December 2014
On 15 December 2014, the Council adopted a presidential statement marking the one year anniversary of the outbreak of hostilities in South Sudan (S/PRST/2014/26). In the statement, the Council urgently demanded that the parties end the fighting and maintain their commitment to create a transitional government of national unity. The Council also reiterated “its intention to commence consideration, in consultation with relevant partners, including the IGAD and AU, on all appropriate measures, including targeted sanctions, against those impeding the peace process.”
November 2014
On 4 November, Special Representative Ellen Margrethe Løj briefed Council members in consultations, via video-teleconference from Juba, on the latest report of the Secretary-General on UNMISS (S/2014/821). UNMISS Force Commander Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam also participated via video-teleconference. Løj gave a grim assessment of the security situation, referring specifically to the fighting in the Bentiu area, and the security and humanitarian challenges in the UNMISS camps for internally displaced persons. Council members issued a press statement on 5 November (SC/11631) expressing “alarm and outrage” at the resumption of fighting in Unity and Upper Nile states. In the statement, Council members also “confirmed their intention to commence negotiations, in consultation with relevant partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority for Development and the African Union, on all appropriate measures, including targeted sanctions against those impeding the peace process.” On 25 November, the Council adopted resolution 2187 renewing the mandate of UNMISS for an additional six months. Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous also briefed Council members under “another other business” the same day on the mission’s efforts to address the security situation in South Sudan.
October 2014
On 22 October, Ellen Margrethe Løj, the Special Representative and head of UNMISS, briefed the Council on the situation in South Sudan and the current UNMISS report. Zainab Hawa Bangura, the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, who visited South Sudan from 5 to 11 October, briefed as well, participating via video-teleconference from Geneva (S/PV.7282). Løj said that since she had assumed her post, she had been “shocked by the complete disregard for human life” in the conflict, emphasising that the perpetrators of human rights violations must be held accountable. Bangura reiterated many of the points from her 20 October press briefing at UN headquarters in New York, arguing that sexual violence in South Sudan is widespread and that the government lacks the capacity to address the challenge. Francis Deng, South Sudan’s ambassador to the UN, addressed the Council as well, urging the Council to support capacity-building with regard to South Sudan’s institutions, notably the police and other related security elements. In consultations following the briefing, Løj emphasised her concern at the lack of progress on the political track, while Bangura similarly said that the best way to curtail the sexual violence in South Sudan is to bring an end to the fighting.
August 2014
The Council held a briefing followed by consultations on South Sudan on 6 August. Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet briefed on the recent UNMISS report and events that have transpired in the country since the report’s publication on 25 July. Ambassador Joseph Moum Malok, the Deputy Permanent Representative of South Sudan, addressed the Council after Mulet. Also on 6 August, the Council issued a press statement condemning attacks that led to the deaths of at least six humanitarian workers in Upper Nile state. The Council adopted a presidential statement on 8 August in which it expressed concern at the political, security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan and expressed “its readiness to consider, in consultation with relevant partners, including IGAD and the African Union, all appropriate measures, including targeted sanctions, against those who take action that undermines the peace, stability, and security of South Sudan”. On 27 August, Council members issued a press statement condemning the downing of an UNMISS helicopter near Bentiu in Unity State.
July 2014
The Council issued two press statements on 25 July. One welcomed the appointment of Ellen Margrethe Løj as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS on 23 July (Hilde Johnson stepped down on 8 July), condemned the fighting in Nasir, and urged the parties to cease hostilities and resume peace talks (SC/11492). The other statement expressed grave concern with food insecurity in South Sudan, and urged UN member states to fulfil pledges for humanitarian support made at the Oslo Conference in May and increase their commitments to South Sudan and the region (SC/11493).
June 2014
On 27 June, the Council held an informal interactive dialogue with Seyoum Mesfim, the chief mediator of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-facilitated South Sudan peace talks in Addis Ababa. The informal interactive dialogue was used as Mesfin is not a UN official, and given the format, the meeting was private and off the record.
May 2014
On 2 May, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng briefed the Council on their trip to the country from 28-30 April (S/PV.7168). Pillay argued that the parties were engaged in a power struggle and had exhibited “little or no regard for the appalling suffering” that the conflict had caused, while Dieng reported that the conflict demonstrated “elements…of risk factors for genocide and other atrocity crimes”. On 8 May, Council members received a briefing in consultations on South Sudan from Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous and Military Adviser Lieutenant General Ahmed Maqsood from the Office of Military Affairs in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and head of UNMISS, Hilde Johnson, was also available (via video-teleconference) to respond to questions. Ladsous described efforts on the diplomatic track to resolve the conflict while Maqsood briefed on the status of the deployment of forces through inter-mission cooperation. Johnson drew attention to the UNMISS human rights report, circulated to Council members earlier in the day. On 12 May, the Council held a public briefing, followed by consultations, on South Sudan (S/PV.7172). Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefed the Council on his 6 May visit to the country. Ban warned that “if the conflict continues, half of South Sudan’s 12 million people will either be displaced internally, refugees abroad, starving or dead by the year’s end”. He outlined five priorities: an end to the fighting; a commitment by the parties to allow humanitarian access; international support for humanitarian efforts; justice and accountability, including consideration of a hybrid tribunal; and inclusive nation-building with the participation of all political leaders and civil society. On 27 May, the Council adopted resolution 2155 on UNMISS. The resolution streamlines the UNMISS mandate so that it focuses on four key tasks: protection of civilians; monitoring and investigating human rights; creating enabling conditions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance; and supporting the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement.
April 2014
On 10 April, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed the Council in consultations on UNMISS. Ladsous said that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations was in discussions with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development regarding options for collaboration between the IGAD Protection and Deterrence Force and UNMISS. The Council issued a press statement on 18 April expressing outrage at the attacks on civilians in Bentiu and on the UN base in Bor (SC/11359). It further underscored that “attacks on civilians and United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime”. On 23 April, the Council was briefed again in consultations on the situation in South Sudan by Ladsous and Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović. The briefing focused on recent developments in Bor and Bentiu. On the following day, the Council issued a press statement in which it “expressed horror and anger at the mass violence in Bentiu” and reiterated its strong condemnation of the attack in Bor against the UNMISS base (SC/11363). The statement also requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to launch an investigation on the events in Bentiu, while requesting Simonovic to return to South Sudan “as soon as possible to assess recent developments and report back to the Security Council.”
March 2014
Council members discussed the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2014/158) on UNMISS in a briefing and consultations on 18 March (S/PV.7141). The report identifies five priority tasks for UNMISS: protecting civilians, enabling humanitarian access, increasing human rights monitoring and reporting, facilitating inter-communal and national dialogue and supporting mediation and ceasefire monitoring by IGAD.
February 2014
The Council discussed South Sudan on 11 February, when members were briefed in consultations by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS Hilde Johnson (via videoconference from Juba). Among other subjects, Amos and Ladsous also shared insights from their recent trips to South Sudan, on 27-29 January and 2-3 February respectively. Two days after the briefing in consultations, a press statement on the situation in South Sudan was issued (SC/11278). On 21 February, Council members received an interim report on the human rights situation in South Sudan issued by the Human Rights Division of UNMISS. The report covers events during the first six weeks since the outbreak of hostilities, from 15 December 2013 through 31 January 2014. The report summarises human rights violations in the Central Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states, including the deliberate targeting of civilians in extrajudicial killings and mass killings, enforced disappearances, gender-based violence and torture committed by forces from both sides of the conflict. The report also notes that many civilians were deliberately targeted and killed along ethnic lines, while many more civilians have been forcibly displaced.
January 2014
On 9 January, members of the Security Council were briefed by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS Hilde Johnson and Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan Haile Menkerios on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan. The Council issued a press statement (SC/11244) the following day reiterating their strong support for the mediation efforts led by IGAD and demanding the end to human rights violations. On 23 January, Council members issued another press statement (SC/11261) following consultations on South Sudan welcoming the cessation of hostilities, condemning violations of the Status of Forces Agreement by South Sudan and welcoming the decision by the AU Peace and Security Council to establish a commission to investigate human rights violations during the conflict.
December 2013
On 16 December, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir alleged a coup attempt by forces loyal to former Vice-President Riek Machar. Council members were briefed on this development under “any other business” on 17 December. Council members held further consultations on 20, 23 and 30 December to be updated on the escalating crisis as well as to discuss plans to augment the capacity of the peacekeeping mission. The Council issued several press statements (SC/11221, SC/11227 and SC/11236) condemning the fighting, calling for dialogue and a cessation of hostilities. It adopted resolution 2132 on 24 December increasing the military and police capacity of UNMISS. On 26 December, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated that about 63,000 people had sought protection at UN bases across the country among the more than 121,000 displaced in fighting that had spread to five of South Sudan’s 10 states.
November 2013
Council members were briefed on UNMISS on 18 November by Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS Hilde Johnson. In presenting the most recent UNMISS report of the Secretary-General, Johnson said that while great challenges remain, recent events “give reason for cautious optimism” regarding South Sudan’s future. The briefing was followed by consultations.
July 2013
On 8 July, the Council held a briefing and consultations on the most recent report on UNMISS. Hilde Johnson, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, provided the briefing. On 11 July, the Council adopted resolution 2109, extending the mandate of UNMISS until 15 July 2014.
April 2013
On 9 April, Council members issued a press statement condemning the attacks on UNMISS peacekeepers.
March 2013
On 21 March, Special Representative Hilde Johnson briefed the Council on the recent UNMISS report and said “South Sudan’s transition towards a stable, viable state continued at an uneven pace”.
February 2013
During the 12 February open debate on the protection of civilians, Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that the expulsion in November 2012 of an UNMISS human rights officer had set “a dangerous precedent” and once again urged South Sudan to reconsider its decision.
December 2012
On 21 December, the Council issued a press statement strongly deploring an incident occurring the same day in which the Sudan People’s Liberation Army shot down a UNMISS helicopter, killing all four crew on board.
November 2012
On 28 November, the Council discussed the report of the Secretary-General on UNMISS in consultations. Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and Hilde Johnson, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on South Sudan, participated in the meeting. Council members expressed concern in the consultations with the recent decision of the South Sudanese government to expel an UNMISS human rights officer.
July 2012
On 5 July 2012, the Council adopted resolution 2057 renewing the UNMISS mandate until July 2013. On 3 July, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights briefed Council members in consultations. She commended the efforts of the Juba-based government with respect to DDR but also noted that sporadic human rights violations by South Sudanese soldiers had been reported during the disarmament process in Jonglei state.
April 2012
On 24 April the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS briefed Council members during consultations.
January 2012
The Council issued a press statement on 9 January in which it expressed deep concern at the inter-communal between the Lou Nuer and Murle groups in Jonglei state in South Sudan and called for an end to violence through reconciliation. On 5 January, the Under-Secretary-General for Peackeeping Operations briefed the Council in consultations on the violence in Jonglei.
November 2011
On 15 November the Council held a briefing followed by closed consultations on the Secretary-General’s November 2011 report on UNMISS. On 9 November, addressing the Council as part of an open debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that violent clashes in South Sudan between heavily armed communities and a resurgence of armed activity by rebel factions were undermining the nation’s stability and posed a serious threat to civilians.
August 2011
On 26 August South Sudan President Salva Kiir announced the appointment of a new 29-member cabinet. On 8 August, the Council held consultations on Sudan and was briefed by the Head of DPKO on the UNMISS and UNISFA deployments.
July 2011
The General Assembly admitted South Sudan as as the UN’s 193rd member on 14 July, after the Council recommended to the General Assembly that South Sudan be admitted as a member. (The Republic of South Sudan became an independent state on 9 July.) On 11 July the Council adopted resolution 1997 deciding that UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) would withdraw by the end of August. On 8 July the Council adopted resolution 1996 which established the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to take effect upon the independence of South Sudan.
