November 27, 2024 (JUBA) - The head of the UN mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom has urged state Governors to take concrete action to create an open civic and political space so that people can freely participate in preparations for the country's first democratic elections. Speaking at the annual Governors’ Forum in Juba, Haysom appealed to the state leaders to prioritize delivering basic services to their people within an effective and accountable public financial management system. The country was due to hold elections next month, but it was postponed until December 2026. The Special Representative of the Secretary General also called for urgent action in the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces as a critical step in advancing the peace process. “The deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces is not just a military exercise; it is a cornerstone of peace and stability,” noted Haysom, adding “It is essential that all stakeholders, especially governors, work together to ensure that this initiative progresses without delay.” According to Haysom, the extension of the transitional period be accompanied by a clear and actionable work plan for the next phase of implementation, stressing that slow progress in the implementation of the peace deal prompted …
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