01/06/2026
Ambassador Jennifer Locetta
Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs
New York, New York
AS DELIVERED
Thank you. The United States welcomes the renewal of the South Sudan Sanctions regime, including the extension of the Panel of Experts’ mandate and the renewal of the arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze measures for an additional 12 months.
We also welcome the opportunity to revise the benchmarks to reflect current realities and look forward to recommendations on how best to do so from the Secretary-General in consultation with the UN Mission in South Sudan and the Panel of Experts.
We are disheartened, however, by the lack of progress on the benchmarks and the continuing deterioration of the political and security situation in South Sudan.
Let’s be clear. This lack of progress is due to a lack of political will by President Kiir, as well as other South Sudanese leaders.
South Sudan’s leaders must return to direct dialogue to de-escalate the current violence. It is farcical to suggest that such dialogue is occurring when one of the signatories to the 2018 peace agreement is under house arrest and on trial.
The Council cannot accept obstruction of the peace process or actions that threaten transitional agreements or undermine the political process in South Sudan.
We therefore urge the transitional government to deliver all steps necessary to restore peace, including declaring a national ceasefire; releasing detainees; renouncing the use of violence for political purposes; and starting to use public revenue appropriately to support the citizens of South Sudan.
For years prior to South Sudan’s independence, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement claimed to seek the end of marginalization of the southern Sudanese by leaders in Khartoum. Through bad governance and misuse of revenue, that marginalization continues, imposed by South Sudan’s own leaders.
Thank you.
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