H.E. DR. MICHAEL I. KANU
AMBASSADOR AND PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of A3 Plus, namely: Algeria, Guyana, Somalia and my own country Sierra Leone.
The A3 plus thanks the United States, for its constructive and extensive consultations during the negotiations on the draft resolution on the mandate renewal for United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The UNMISS mandate is critical in safeguarding the peace process and the creation of conditions conducive to the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement. It has facilitated the protection of civilians, the provision of humanitarian aid and the maintenance of public safety, all factors paramount for South Sudan’s stability. In recent weeks, UNMISS has worked tirelessly in support of mediation efforts crucial to restoring peace in South Sudan.
In this context, the A3+ engaged constructively in the deliberations on the mandate renewal and negotiated in good faith throughout this process. However, we wish to highlight that two essential concerns remain unaddressed in the final text, including our proposal to receive progress update in the reports to the Council on the gradual relocation of Tomping. These are accurate reflections of the constructive engagements between South Sudan and UNMISS on the relocation of the Tomping base. The relocation of this base is a legitimate request from South Sudan in order to upgrade Djouba International Airport that should be addressed. Additionally, there was an inclusion of several caveats to electoral support.
The A3 Plus however voted in favour of the resolution with the view to advance UNMISS efforts to ensure peace and stability in South Sudan, including but not limited to support and guidance to achieve its first democratic elections in December 2026.
TheA3+ will continue to engage on the issues highlighted that were not addressed in the current resolution.
In conclusion, we reaffirm our support to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of South Sudan, while emphasizing the importance of full cooperation with UN Missions as well as international and regional partners.
I thank you.
