Nicholas Haysom, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), expressed regret as the UN supported extending South Sudan’s transitional period to February 2027. During an extraordinary meeting in Juba, Haysom stated, “We endorse this extension with real regret and disappointment,” noting that two years ago, the UN backed an extension with the expectation that it would be the last.
Despite a stagnant peace process, economic hardship, and unmet milestones from the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, the extension was deemed necessary by regional stakeholders, including the African Union, due to the country’s socio-economic challenges and unpreparedness for elections.
Haysom urged South Sudanese leaders to prioritize the nation’s interests and rebuild public trust by creating an inclusive political space. He emphasized the need for decisive reforms to break the cycle of delays and move towards sustainable peace and credible elections.
