Statement by Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, during the Security Council Meeting on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
8 March 2019
Mr President,
We would like to express our appreciation to you for convening this meeting. We also thank SRSG David Shearer for the comprehensive briefing and for all the efforts of UNMISS on the ground.
We thank Mrs. Angelina Nyajima Simon Jial, the Founder and Executive Director of Hope Restoration South Sudan for her enlightening contribution.
South Africa welcomes the signing of the final Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Government, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition; the Former Detainees and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance on 12 September 2018.
We recognize the importance of the Revitalized agreement as a positive step towards creating a conducive environment for engaging in constructive dialogue and democratic processes necessary for working towards sustainable peace and development in South Sudan.
Mr President,
My delegation welcomes the shuttle diplomacy efforts that were undertaken by President of Eritrea, Isias Afwerki and Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed in trying to provide support in maintaining momentum of the implementation of the Peace Agreement in South Sudan.
This visit was very important as it highlighted the leadership being undertaken by African Leaders in making peace in very volatile region through African solutions. It is our hope that the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea will permeate through the region.
In this regard, we encourage the Government of South Sudan and other parties to do everything in their power to complete the establishment of the mechanisms and committees provided for in the Agreement, particularly during the pre-transitional period. The return of Vice President Riek Machar to South Sudan is crucial in ensuring the implementation of the agreement.
For our part, South Africa will continue to play a key role in supporting the peace process in South Sudan through the mediation efforts of President Ramaphosa as Chair of the African Union’s (AU) High Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan and Deputy President Mabuza as the Special Envoy to South Sudan. These efforts have always been geared towards complementing the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) processes.
Mr President,
South Africa notes with concern that the peace landscape in South Sudan remains fragile, considering the slow progress and insufficient resources to sponsor the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.
On the Humanitarian front, South Africa urges international stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to the post-conflict reconstruction and development programs. We further appeal for support to repatriate and resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returning refugees in South Sudan and to rebuild their community livelihoods.
South Africa further wishes to call on all international partners to mobilize and avail resources and relevant expertise in support of the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement. This is particularly necessary in terms of the implementation of security sector reform, including the establishment of cantonment centers and the launch of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs.
South Africa supports the renewal of the mandate of UNMISS in line with the recommendation of the UN Secretary-General. We maintain that the UN Mission’s continued presence is critical to ensure impartial implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and to provide necessary support for the protection of innocent civilians from the scourge of armed conflict.
Lastly Mr President,
On sexual violence, which impacts women and girls we are encouraged by the work being done by the government and UNMISS in building the capacity of the justice system to combat sexual violence in conflict.
This issue is particularly important today as we celebrate international women’s day. It should also remind us of the importance of ensuring the inclusivity of women in peace making.
I would like to wish all women, a happy international women’s day.
I thank you.
Rev. Friday, 08-Mar-2019 5:36 PM