From Adia Jildo, in South Sudan
The Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nation Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, has urged the government of South Sudan to swiftly investigate cases of human right violation and abuse in the country.
This came as the Central Equatoria state recorded the highest number of abductions constituting 69 percent in 2024.
Haysom stated that human rights violations have continued to be recorded in the country threatening enduring peace.
“Vitally, I urge the Government of South Sudan to swiftly investigate human rights violations and abuses and hold all perpetrators to account.” the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of UNMISS said.
He added: “I call for concerted efforts by national, state and local authorities, as well as community leaders to resolve long standing grievances and find locally sustainable solutions to conflict drivers,” said Nicholas Haysom.
Haysom also noted that tensions between Government security forces, and National Salvation Front splinter groups continue to threaten security and protection of civilians across the Greater Equatoria region, countering the terms of the Cessation of Hostilities signed by both parties.
“UNMISS called for intervention by the government to resolve outstanding differences and find amicable solutions to the conflicts and misunderstanding that has claimed lives and displaced thousands,” stated Haysom.
“This trend of increasing violence against women and abductions is alarming. While UNMISS continues to proactively protect civilians, I call for concerted efforts by national, state and local authorities, as well as community leaders to resolve long standing grievances and find locally sustainable solutions to conflict drivers,” said Nicholas Haysom.
The United Nations Peacekeeping mission continues its land, air and riverine peacekeeping patrols, promoting community dialogues, enhancing security, and supporting electoral preparations.
South Sudan government had passed the National Security Service Act 2014 (Amendment Bill – 2024) in August by default according to South Sudan’s constitutional provisions, following its passage by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) and subsequent submission to President Salva Kiir.
This is despite agreements between South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir Mayardit and the first Vice President, Dr. Tiak Machar to remove some provisions in the bill such as the Articles 54 and 55, expanded the powers of the National Security Services, most notably the authority to arrest individuals without a warrant.
The bill has however continued to raise significant concerns from observers, human rights groups, and foreign diplomats and even citizens.
