February 5, 2025 (JUBA) – There is need for South Sudanese leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement without further delay, Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in the country (UNMISS) told the Security Council on Wednesday. “There is no appetite for another extension,” he said, acknowledging progress in some areas while welcoming the declarations of governors to expand the civic and political space in their states. Briefing the Security Council on Wednesday, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan stressed that while the country’s citizens have been patient, they expect progress. “There is a strong desire for the leaders to focus on the benchmarks set out in the peace agreement – without further delay,” he remarked. Haysom urged South Sudan’s leaders to accelerate security sector reform, electoral preparations, and reform of the constitution and judicial processes. “The clock is already ticking on the extended transitional period. Decision-makers need to tackle several issues simultaneously and immediately,” he emphasised. The top UN official said despite some achievements, major gaps persist, especially concerning elections scheduled for December 2026. He said while a framework for security sector management and a national community violence reduction …

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