UNITED NATIONS
Amid an escalating political and security crisis in South Sudan, Pakistan has called for recommitment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, stressing that successfully completing the country’s democratic transition hinges on holding fair elections. “Elections remain an important element in bringing the transition to a legitimate conclusion,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the UN Security Council on Thursday, noting that the political, legal, security and financial requirements necessary to hold them remain outstanding.
“These gaps need to be filled,” he stressed. At the same time, the Pakistani envoy voiced serious concerns regarding the deteriorating political tensions, intercommunal violence, and ongoing hostilities in regions like Jonglei and the Upper Nile.
“We call on all parties to implement an immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities, refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and return to dialogue,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad added. “Spillover effects of the conflict in Sudan are also a matter of concern.” The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), he said, plays an indispensable role in the stability of the country.
Despite serious operational constraints, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said, the Mission continues to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian assistance, support local dialogue and strengthen both early warning and prevention mechanisms. In this regard, he pointed out that UNMISS is operating with 9,176 military personnel against an authorized ceiling of 12,500.
“Given the deteriorating security situation and the mission’s extensive protection responsibilities, the authorized troop ceiling should be fully utilized for deployment,” the Pakistani envoy argued.
