New York, 30 April 2026 — The United Nations Security Council adopted, on Thursday, 30 April 2026, a resolution renewing for one year the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, until 30 April 2027. This decision was taken during the Council’s 10148th meeting, devoted to the reports of the Secretary-General on Sudan and South Sudan. The text, presented by the United States of America, was adopted by 13 votes in favour, none against, and 2 abstentions.
Following the vote, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and Liberia, acting within the framework of the A3, delivered an explanation of vote in support of the draft resolution. The statement was read by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations.
The A3 stated that they supported the resolution in order to ensure the continued presence of UNMISS in South Sudan, as its mandate was set to expire on 30 April 2026. They underlined the indispensable role of the Mission at a critical time, marked by the deterioration of the security environment and the persistence of hostilities in several parts of the country.
In their statement, DRC, Somalia and Liberia reaffirmed their commitment to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and to the people of South Sudan. They recalled that the protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance remain essential in the face of widespread insecurity and the risks threatening the country’s stability.
The A3, however, expressed concerns regarding the orientation of the mandate as adopted. Despite their constructive engagement throughout the negotiations, they regretted that certain elements deemed essential, particularly those related to the political component, were not sufficiently taken into account. According to them, while the resolution focuses on the protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance, it does not fully reflect the importance of UNMISS’s political role in supporting the peace process.
DRC, Somalia and Liberia particularly noted that the political role of the Mission had been significantly restricted, even though the current situation requires sustained support for national and regional efforts aimed at implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
With regard to elections, the A3 took note of the inclusion of provisions relating to the monitoring of electoral preparations and reporting on this matter. They nevertheless emphasized that lasting stability in South Sudan requires a balanced approach, combining the protection of civilians, humanitarian assistance, political support and assistance to the electoral process.
Through this vote, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside Somalia and Liberia, reaffirmed its commitment to peace, stability and security in South Sudan, in line with the priorities of the South Sudanese people and the responsibilities of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security.