UN Expresses Regret Over Extension of South Sudan’s Transitional Period to 2027

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has voiced disappointment over the extension of South Sudan’s transitional period until 2027. Speaking at a high-level meeting in Juba, Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, expressed regret at the delay, noting that two years ago, the UN endorsed the transitional period under the condition that it would not be prolonged further. However, due to unmet milestones from the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, the extension became necessary.

Haysom highlighted South Sudan’s ongoing challenges, including stalled peace efforts, economic struggles, and devastating floods, all of which have contributed to delays in preparing for credible elections. He emphasized that the country is not yet in a position to hold elections that would result in a peaceful and legitimate outcome.

The decision to extend the transitional period was broadly supported by regional stakeholders, including Prosper Addo, Senior Political Officer of the African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS). Addo stressed that the difficult socio-economic conditions and lack of adequate preparation by key institutions, such as the election commission, made the extension necessary. The African Union hopes this additional time will enable institutions to meet their obligations effectively and in a timely manner.

Despite the extension, there is increasing pressure on South Sudan’s leadership to implement reforms and pave the way for long-overdue elections. Haysom urged the country’s leaders to rebuild public trust, open political spaces, and engage all voices in the peace process, including opposition groups that were not part of earlier agreements.

He concluded by calling for a commitment to break the cycle of delays and transitions, with an ultimate goal of securing sustainable peace and stability for the nation.

The international community, led by the UN and African Union, will continue to monitor South Sudan’s progress, while stressing the urgency of meeting agreed-upon timelines for constitution-making, elections, and security sector reform. As the country navigates this extended transitional phase, South Sudanese citizens and the international community are watching closely to see if meaningful progress will be achieved.