17.04.2026 Statement for Briefing on South Sudan
Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President.
And I also thank SRSG Gbeho and USG Fletcher for their remarks and I want to congratulate the SRSG for taking up her new role.
I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to the late Special Representative Nicholas Fink Haysom, whose principled leadership and deep commitment to the people of South Sudan leaves an enduring legacy.
Madam President,
Continuous unilateral actions by the SPLM amount to a direct assault on the principles and purposes of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
From sweeping reshuffles across state governments, to the removal of opposition officeholders at every level, with no progress on unification of forces. These are deliberate choices.
So let us be direct. This is not a government implementing a peace agreement, this is a government systematically dismantling one.
Without political will, legal clarity, inclusion of all signatories, and civic space for all, credible elections seem further out of reach.
We call on President Kiir to cease all unilateral actions, and engage in genuine, inclusive inter-signatory dialogue, without preconditions. We reiterate our call for the unconditional release of First Vice-President Machar and all political detainees. We also call on the UN to use its good offices actively to support regional actors in maintaining pressure for dialogue.
Denmark welcomes the appointment of the new AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea and calls for harmonisation of all peace tracks.
Madam President,
The humanitarian toll for the people of South Sudan is catastrophic. As we have heard, nearly 10 million require assistance and 6 million face acute food insecurity. In some areas, such as Jonglei, access to humanitarian aid has been blocked by authorities.
The commitments made by President Kiir in February, on humanitarian access and the safety of aid workers, must be implemented immediately in line with resolution 2730, across the country.
We condemn the widespread atrocities reported, including strikes on medical care facilities, rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Extrajudicial executions have also been reported, and a massacre at the Ruweng administrative area on 1 March which killed over 170 people.
These violations of international humanitarian law must cease and those responsible must be held accountable. We regret that the Hybrid Court of South Sudan, mandated by the Agreement and intended to investigate such violations, has yet to be established.
Madam President,
Against this dire backdrop, UNMISS is more indispensable than ever.
Support for the implementation of the peace agreement, protection of civilians, humanitarian aid delivery and human rights monitoring and reporting, are not separate tracks. They work in tandem, and must all be resourced in full.
The Mission’s recent decision to retain its presence in Akobo saved lives. Its actions against conflict-related sexual violence protect the most vulnerable from the most heinous crimes. Its reporting on climate-related security risks offers sustainable solutions for local resilience. Put simply, it is a lifeline for millions.
Denmark therefore calls for a strong, robust renewal of the Mission’s mandate.
Madam President, in closing,
The window for peaceful transition is still open, but political manoeuvring hampers any progress. The people of South Sudan have endured too much suffering, for too long. It is past time for their wellbeing and their safety to be placed at the centre. This Council must respond with the clarity and purpose that this crisis demands.
I thank you.