5 February 2025
Mr. President,
I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr Nicholas Haysom, for his presentation, and General Charles Gituai and Mr. Edmund Yakani for their contributions.
I would like to emphasize three points.
Firstly, since the last meeting of this Council on November 7, 2024, progress in implementing the revitalized agreement has been limited. This is the clear conclusion of the Secretary-General’s report of January 24. France welcomes President Salva Kiir’s promulgation of laws on justice. Nevertheless, we regret that little progress has been made, in particular with regard to the deployment of the necessary unified forces and the drafting of a constitution.
With regard to the preparation of elections, we encourage the South Sudanese government to pursue its efforts now to create the necessary conditions for the organization of free, inclusive and transparent elections within the two-year timeframe.
France encourages the South Sudanese authorities to resume the publication of oil revenue reports in order to strengthen the confidence of international donors and the support of foreign investors.
Mr. President,
Secondly, France reiterates its full support for UNMISS, which is essential to the country’s stability. We call on the South Sudanese authorities to cooperate with UNMISS, which must be able to fully implement its mandate. France regrets the persistent insecurity and frequent inter-community violence. We welcome the mission’s work in mitigating intercommunal conflicts, which France actively supports on a national level.
Thirdly, France is concerned about the growing impact of the conflict in Sudan on South Sudan, which is worsening an already difficult humanitarian, security and economic situation. Humanitarian support in South Sudan is essential, where over a million people have sought refuge since April 2023. Events in Juba earlier this year, following the capture of Wad Madani by the Sudanese Armed Forces, the volatility of the situation. France calls on the parties to the conflict in Sudan to conclude a ceasefire, to guarantee the protection of the civilian population, to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and to engage in an inclusive political dialogue in order to restoring a lasting peace that would benefit the entire region.
France reiterates its full support for the restrictive measures on arms deliveries, and calls on all concerned to make use of the exemption procedures under Security Council resolutions 2206 and 2428, as appropriate.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, the United Nations must remain mobilized in support of South Sudan, despite the multiplication of crises elsewhere. France will continue its efforts.