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Peace negotiations

UN Peacekeeping Chief Urges Progress in South Sudan Peace Process Amidst Financial Crisis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

United Nations Peacekeeping Chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, has arrived in South Sudan to brief stakeholders on the impact of the UN-wide financial crisis on the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) operations. The mission is required to reduce its spending by 15% due to delays and shortfalls in cash contributions from Member States, leading to a downsizing of its presence and reduced activities across the country. Lacroix met with the country's political leaders, including Minister of Cabinet Affairs Martin Lomuro, to discuss the challenges ahead and the need for international support.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN-wide financial crisis is causing a 15% reduction in spending for UNMISS, leading to downsizing and reduced activities across South Sudan.
  • The crisis is exacerbated by delays and shortfalls in cash contributions from Member States, which has left the mission with a significant gap in funding.
  • UNMISS has a crucial mandate to support the country's transition to peace and stability, but the financial crisis has hampered its ability to deliver on this mandate.
  • The Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Lomuro, acknowledged the importance of UNMISS and expressed willingness to work with the mission on a plan to minimize the impact of the downsizing.
  • Lacroix emphasized the need for strong coordination and cooperation with the authorities of South Sudan to overcome the challenges faced by the mission.
  • The United Nations is committed to staying in South Sudan and delivering for the people, despite the challenges posed by the financial crisis.

Statistics:

  • Almost 8 million people in South Sudan are facing crisis-level food insecurity (Source: United Nations).
  • The UNMISS has been in operation since 2005, supporting the country's transition to peace and stability (Source: UNMISS).
  • The financial crisis has resulted in a 15% reduction in spending, which is expected to impact the mission's ability to deliver on its mandate (Source: UNMISS).
  • The UN-wide financial crisis is affecting not only UNMISS but also other peacekeeping missions around the world, highlighting the need for increased funding and support (Source: UN News).

Sources:

  • United Nations
  • United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
  • M2 PressWIRE
  • APO Group

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