Statement of Latvia at the UN Security Council briefing on South Sudan
New York, 10 February 2026
Mr. President,
I thank Jean‑Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Major General George Aggrey Owinow, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), and Mr. Edmund Yakani for their informative and timely briefings.
A little over a decade ago, civil war in South Sudan unleashed mass death and displacement. Hundreds of thousands were killed. Millions were displaced and fled to neighbouring states. Today, we are seeing dangerous echoes of the past. Violence is on the rise in Jonglei, Upper Nile and in other parts of the country. Civilians are once again paying the price.
The situation is a tinderbox. In such conditions, even a word can become a spark. Any inflammatory rhetoric that normalizes harm to civilians is unacceptable and must be addressed.
Let me highlight 3 points.
First, the priority now is de-escalation and a return to full implementation of the 2018 Revitalised peace agreement. This requires constructive engagement by both the Government and the opposition as well as maximum restraint - especially in areas where risks to civilians are the highest. We note with concern proposals to unilaterally amend the Revitalised Peace Agreement, including the deferral of key commitments. Any changes should be pursued only through inclusive dialogue among the signatories.
De-escalation must translate into protection on the ground. Reports of sexual violence, arbitrary detention and extrajudicial killings are deeply alarming, as they may amount to crimes against humanity. All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable.
Humanitarian access throughout the country must be safe, rapid and unimpeded. Attacks on hospitals, health facilities and humanitarian offices, as well as on aid convoys and ambulances, are particularly alarming. They deprive civilians of life-saving assistance when it is needed most.
Second, Latvia extends its full support to UNMISS. The Mission remains essential. Its protection presence saves lives. Latvia considers the UNMISS bases in Wau and Bentiu indispensable. They are critical for mandate implementation, including the protection of civilians, and for continued support to UNISFA’s operations.
We take note of recent progress in implementing UNMISS’s contingency plan. At the same time, continued engagement by the Government of South Sudan with UNMISS is needed to preserve the Mission’s operational footprint and enable effective mandate implementation. This includes ensuring unrestricted freedom of movement and avoiding any impediments to UNMISS’s operations.
Third, the region’s voice and involvement are most crucial. Regional actors have unique leverage to help prevent further escalation. The region also understands better than anyone the wider consequences of continued violence.
We welcome and encourage the African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan, alongside IGAD and neighbouring states, to play an active and unifying role in supporting de-escalation and the full implementation of the Revitalised peace agreement.
Thank you!