South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The U.N Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday pledged full support for the country’s transition to democracy.
Lt. Gen. Mohan Subramanian, UNMISS Force Commander said the mission will assist South Sudan to transition towards peace and democracy when the ongoing implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement concludes.
“We are therefore, supporting an inclusive and peaceful democratic transition by focusing our efforts to create an enabling environment for elections,” Mohan said during celebration of the United Nations Day held at the University of Juba.
Mohan disclosed that the mission will provide technical preparations for elections in December 2026.
“This includes building institutional capacities, encouraging open civic and political space, fostering momentum in drafting a permanent constitution, and establishing necessary unified forces with an equally necessary unified leadership,” he disclosed.
Mohan stressed the need for political, military, religious, and traditional and community leadership to come together to promote the spirit of unity, adding that it is the only way to usher in progressive peace, prosperity and a positive look towards the future.
The parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement on September 13, this year agreed to extend the transitional period for three years, delaying elections that initially had been scheduled for December 2024.
The parties said that the decision was reached, in order to pave way for the completion of the population census, drafting of a permanent constitution and the registration of political parties including the unification of security forces.
For his part, Prof. Justu Wani Jada, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba emphasized the importance of the United Nations to rebuild hope and resilience following global conflicts which are causing devastation to mankind.
“Today, every country in the world has to address circumstances that have global consequences, political and economic polarization. It has become clearer and stronger that all nations must act together for every nation to be better,” Wani said.
Wani noted that the UN Charter made people realize that problems or crises are not limited to single nations, but affect every nation.
“As a young nation, we face problems in celebrating and accepting our own diversity as well as forging a common national identity,” he said.
