Security Council, 10139th meeting – Statement by the A3 (Liberia, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) on South Sudan/UNMISS

At the 10139th meeting of the Security Council on South Sudan/UNMISS, Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay delivered, on behalf of the A3 Group, a statement stressing the urgent need to protect civilians, effectively support UNMISS and advance a credible political solution in South Sudan.

The full text of the statement is published below.

Madam President,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the members of the A3 Group, namely Liberia, Somalia and my own country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
2. We congratulate the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, and thank her, as well as the Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Tom Fletcher, for their comprehensive and relevant updates.
   The A3 welcome Her Excellency Mrs. Sarah Besolo Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
   We also welcome the presence of the representative of South Sudan at this meeting.

Madam President,

3. The A3 remain deeply concerned by the political, security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan. The country is going through one of its most difficult periods since the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018. The human cost of this instability is grave and unacceptable.
4. According to the Secretary-General’s latest report, more than 2,200 civilians were killed in 2025, with more than 500 abductions and nearly 250 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence recorded. It is alarming that violations against civilians recorded during the first quarter of this year have reached their highest level in several years. The states of Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile are once again bearing a disproportionate burden. These are not abstract figures; they reflect shattered lives, broken communities and a population living under constant threat. Clearly, civilian protection needs remain immediate, critical and vital.

Madam President,

5. The A3 wish to express their deep appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of UNMISS personnel, who continue to operate in one of the most unstable situations on the Council’s agenda. Peacekeeping in South Sudan remains essential — not optional — and its relevance must be measured not by its form, but by its impact on the ground.
6. In this regard, the A3 emphasize that the effectiveness of peacekeeping depends on clarity of objectives, concentration of operational efforts and adequacy of means. In complex environments, missions must be fully empowered to carry out their core operational imperatives, including the protection of civilians, the facilitation of humanitarian access, and support for the implementation of agreed peace frameworks.
7. The effectiveness of peacekeeping should therefore not be understood as a constraint, but as the guarantee of coherence between mandates, expectations and capacities — so that peacekeepers can act decisively where risks are highest and consequences most severe.

Madam President,

8. Africa is not asking for more. Africa is asking the United Nations to act usefully — with credibility, effectiveness and at scale. When expectations increase without corresponding resources, the risk is not merely institutional inconvenience, but reduced protection for civilians.
9. The A3 therefore stress that budgetary support for UNMISS must be commensurate with the scale, complexity and dangers of its operational environment. Ambitious mandates must be matched by predictable financing, adequate mobility, sufficient operational capabilities and political support. Any failure in this regard risks undermining the effectiveness of UNMISS precisely in areas where failure carries irreversible human consequences.

Madam President,

10. The A3 reaffirm that peacekeeping cannot substitute for political leadership. The primary responsibility for advancing peace lies with the South Sudanese actors themselves. In this respect, we welcome and strongly support the enhanced engagement of the African Union and IGAD.
11. We particularly welcome the appointment of former President Jakaya Kikwete as the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, with South Sudan as a priority mandate. His leadership, experience and credibility offer a valuable opportunity to reinvigorate political engagement, strengthen regional cohesion and advance a durable political solution. The A3 urge the Council and international partners to firmly support these African-led efforts.

Madam President,

12. The A3 also underscore that elections remain an essential component of long-term stabilization and South Sudan’s democratic trajectory. However, we recognize that elections must be approached responsibly and with due regard to the context.
13. Although all the necessary preconditions may not yet be in place, the ultimate objective must be an electoral process that produces legitimate leadership and contributes to creating an environment in which democracy, stability and public trust can take root. Elections should therefore rest on improved security conditions, the protection of civilians, political inclusiveness, as well as strong regional and international support — they must not be disconnected from realities on the ground.

Madam President,

14. In conclusion, the A3 reaffirm their commitment to African unity, African ownership and the preservation of African lives. The people of South Sudan deserve a peacekeeping mission that is fully supported, adequately resourced and able to act where it matters most.
15. The A3 reaffirm their readiness to work constructively with all members of the Council in support of a UNMISS mandate with clear objectives, adequate resources and the capacity to address the profound challenges South Sudan faces today.

I thank you.