Statement of Latvia at the UN Security Council briefing on South Sudan
New York, 6 August 2026
Madam President,
I thank SRSG Anita Kiki Gbeho, Interim Chairperson of RJMEC Major General George Aggrey Owinow, and Ms. Lilian Riziq for their valuable briefings.
As we heard today, the situation in South Sudan remains alarming, with multiple risks increasingly reinforcing one another. Reversing this trajectory requires renewed political commitment and urgent, coordinated action.
I will make three points.
First, we call for an immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities. The Revitalized Agreement remains the only agreed frameworkfor completing the transition. All parties should uphold it and resolve their differences through its established mechanisms. We are concerned that amendments to the Agreement were ratified without the required consent of RJMEC’s (Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission) voting members and without the participation of several key signatories. Bypassing agreed procedures further erodes trust and hampers the transition.
We take note of the intention to hold elections on 22 December 2026. Time is increasingly limited, yet critical questions remain unresolved. We urge the authorities to engage in a genuine and inclusive high-level dialogue, rebuild consensus and agree on the safeguards needed to ensure peaceful, inclusive, free and fair and elections. We also call for the release of First Vice-President Riek Machar and all other political detainees as an urgent confidence-building measure. Addressing these gaps is essential to prevent violence before, during and after the elections.
Second, South Sudanese women and girls bear the brunt of the ongoing hostilities. Conflict related sexual violance continues to be used as a tactic of war. Latvia condemns all acts of CRSV and other forms of gender based violence.
Also it is more important than ever to create an enabling environment in which women can shape South Sudan’s future. Central to these efforts is the full implementation of the 35% quota across all institutions established under the Agreement and throughout the electoral process. We welcome the establishment of the Cross-Party Women’s Forum and the adoption of its Declaration. The priority now is to translate this step into concrete action.
Third, the humanitarian emergency continues to deepen amid ongoing conflict and violations of international humanitarian law. More than half of the population faces acute food insecurity. Between April and July, 26 humanitarian personnel and contractors were killed, while relief operations continued to face obstruction and access denials. Deliberate attacks against humanitarian personnel may constitute war crimes. Such attacks must be investigated and those responsible held accountable.
We must also prepare for the effects of a strengthening El Niño. Drier and warmer conditions across much of South Sudan have already damaged agriculture and livelihoods and further increased humanitarian needs. In the run-up to the elections, growing pressure on land and water could aggravate local tensions and, in turn, heighten broader risks to peace and security.
Madam President,
UNMISS must retain the capabilities and access required to protect civilians, support early warning and facilitate humanitarian assistance. As the Mission adopts a more mobile and regionally focused operating model, it should, where possible, make greater use of modern technologies. Repeated violations of the Status of Forces Agreement and restrictions on movement must end.
Latvia expresses its full support for UNMISS, but it is South Sudan’s leaders who bear the primary responsibility for the country’s future. In the critical months ahead, close and constructive cooperation with the United Nations, the African Union and other regional partners will be essential.
I thank you.