Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Madam President.

I also thank SRSG Gbeho, AU High Representative Kikwete and director Mutiga for their remarks.

Madam President,

In the past months, several steps have been taken by South Sudan’s leaders to conclude the transition period.

We recognise the importance of the South Sudanese people choosing their leaders through elections.

These elections however should pave the way towards greater political stability, not become a source of renewed conflict.

Without consensus on the electoral modalities, adequate preparations and meaningful participation guarantees, elections risk deepening existing divisions and triggering further violence.

Agreement is urgently needed on the political and legal pathway to elections.

Political dialogue, release of detained opposition figures, free civic and political space, security and institutional preparedness are essential.

We call on the President Kiir and all signatories to recommit to the full implementation of the Revitalised Agreement, to uphold the Permanent Ceasefire, and to engage in a genuine and inclusive national dialogue.

We welcome the continued engagement of the African Union, IGAD and RJMEC in support of the peace process.

We also support the activation of the joint AU-IGAD-UN task force with a clear mandate and concrete benchmarks.

Madam President,

We express our grave concern over the continued fighting, particularly in Jonglei and Upper Nile, and the wider spread of violence and displacement across South Sudan.

As we’ve heard, the humanitarian situation is further exacerbated by climate-related shocks, with over 80 per cent of the country affected by drought, flooding and emergency levels of acute food insecurity across several regions.

This makes sustained humanitarian assistance all the more urgent.

However, insecurity continues to prevent life-saving assistance from reaching those most in need.

We strongly condemn attacks against humanitarian personnel, at least 39 aid workers killed this year. Such attacks are unacceptable.

Those responsible must be held accountable, and all parties must ensure safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.

We also remain deeply concerned by continued human rights violations and abuses, including conflict-related sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children.

All parties must uphold international humanitarian and human rights law and take immediate steps to end these violations.

Madam President,

Let me express Denmark’s unwavering support for UNMISS.

At this critical moment, the Mission is indispensable in de-escalating tensions, facilitating dialogue and supporting implementation of the peace agreement.

We strongly condemn all obstructions to UNMISS, including violations of the Status of Forces Agreement.

Let me also express our deepest condolences to the families of the three Ethiopian peacekeepers who lost their lives in the deadly attack on an UNMISS patrol in Jonglei State on 24 August.

We urge that those responsible are held accountable, in line with Resolution 2823.

Madam President, in closing,

When Denmark entered this council South Sudan was on a positive trajectory. Over the last two year unfortunately, we have seen significant deterioration.  We express our sincere hope that South Sudan’s leaders will ultimately choose peace over political self-interest, dialogue over confrontation, and the future of their people over the preservation of power.

Thank you.