The Under‑Secretary‑General for Peace Operations, Jean‑Pierre Lacroix, addressed diplomats in Juba on the final day of his visit, underscoring renewed peacekeeping support strategies and unwavering backing for South Sudan peace support despite severe budget shortfalls.
Funding Shortfall Threatens Mandate Delivery
Lacroix warned the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) faces a projected 15% spending cut over the remaining eight months of its financial year due to delayed and insufficient cash contributions.He emphasized that while the mission’s priorities remain unchanged, the reductions will challenge its ability to deliver on protection of civilians and the peace agreement.
Commitment to Conflict Resolution Efforts
“The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting South Sudan and progress towards the implementation of the peace agreement,” Lacroix said. “We will do our best, against the backdrop of the financial constraints.”These remarks reflect increased emphasis on conflict resolution efforts built into UNMISS’s mandate to help stabilise the country.
Steering Peacekeeping Support Strategies
UNMISS is refining its peacekeeping support strategies to navigate constrained funding while preserving critical operations. Lacroix highlighted that cost‑savings plans have been tailored to safeguard areas with the highest threats and most urgent needs.
Reinforcing South Sudan Peace Support Through Cooperation
Efforts to strengthen South Sudan peace support include working closely with national authorities, regional partners and donors. “We communicated to the South Sudanese authorities that we want to keep supporting political efforts,” Lacroix stated.He also called on leaders to demonstrate tangible progress to unlock continued international assistance.
Focus on Protection and Mandate Continuity
Despite budget pressures, UNMISS continues prioritising protection of civilians, monitoring of the peace agreement and support to humanitarian access—key pillars of its mission in South Sudan.
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This story was first reported by United Nations Peacekeeping. Read the full article here.
