The United States has strongly criticised South Sudan’s transitional government over alleged restrictions on United Nations peacekeeping operations, attacks on peacekeepers and the continued lack of accountability for violations against UN and humanitarian personnel.

Speaking during a United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in South Sudan and Sudan, US Ambassador Jennifer Locetta rejected claims made by South Sudan’s representative and insisted that the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) must be allowed to carry out its mandate without unnecessary interference.

The ambassador stressed that UNMISS does not require additional permission from South Sudanese authorities to undertake activities already authorised under its Security Council mandate.

She called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity to immediately remove restrictions preventing peacekeepers from fulfilling their responsibilities, warning that continued obstruction could undermine efforts to protect civilians and prevent renewed conflict.

US Calls for Full Implementation of UNMISS Mandate

Ambassador Locetta reminded Security Council members that the Council had previously adopted a streamlined mandate designed to strengthen UNMISS’s ability to prevent a return to widespread violence, protect vulnerable communities, facilitate humanitarian access and monitor the implementation of South Sudan’s peace agreement.

She emphasised that peacekeepers must be able to conduct patrols and carry out their assigned duties without facing unnecessary administrative or operational obstacles.

The ambassador also highlighted the importance of ensuring that UNMISS resources are directed towards its core responsibilities, arguing that every dollar spent on the mission should contribute meaningfully to civilian protection, humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping operations.

According to the US representative, restrictions imposed on UNMISS are not merely administrative matters but serious obstacles that could compromise the mission’s effectiveness and the safety of communities relying on its protection.

Washington Condemns Deadly Attacks on Peacekeepers

The United States also condemned reported attacks on UNMISS personnel and convoys in Jonglei State, which the ambassador said resulted in the deaths of four peacekeepers and injuries to other UN personnel and police officers.

She stressed that deliberate attacks against UN peacekeepers are prohibited under international law and may constitute war crimes.

Washington urged South Sudanese authorities to conduct thorough, independent investigations into the reported incidents and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

The ambassador warned that failure to investigate attacks on peacekeeping personnel could further undermine confidence in the government’s commitment to protecting international humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.

South Sudan Rejects Allegations of Government Misconduct

During the Security Council briefing, South Sudan’s representative rejected allegations of wrongdoing by the government, describing reports of abuses and obstruction as baseless.

The representative maintained that the government respects human rights and remains committed to internationally recognised humanitarian principles.

However, the US ambassador challenged those assurances, pointing to what she described as continuing restrictions on UNMISS operations and the absence of meaningful accountability for serious incidents involving international personnel.

The contrasting statements highlighted ongoing tensions between South Sudanese authorities and international partners over the implementation of the peace agreement, civilian protection and the responsibilities of UN peacekeepers operating in the country.

Concerns Over Abductions and Lack of Accountability

The US representative also raised concerns about the reported abduction of four UN staff members and humanitarian personnel in August, who were allegedly held for ransom.

She noted that the UN Secretary-General had repeatedly called on South Sudan’s transitional government to provide updates on investigations and accountability measures relating to the incidents.

According to the ambassador, the continued absence of clear answers reflects a broader failure to address serious security concerns affecting international personnel.

She urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to accountability through transparent investigations and appropriate legal action against those responsible.

Security Council Urged to Take Action

Concluding her remarks, Ambassador Locetta called on Security Council members to take meaningful steps to address the deteriorating security situation and ensure that UNMISS can operate effectively.

She warned that continued interference with peacekeeping activities, combined with attacks on international personnel and the lack of accountability, threatens efforts to maintain stability in South Sudan.

The United States reaffirmed its position that the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access and implementation of the peace agreement must remain central priorities for both UNMISS and South Sudan’s transitional government.

The dispute comes amid persistent concerns over insecurity, political tensions and the fragile implementation of South Sudan’s peace process, raising renewed questions about the country’s prospects for lasting peace and stability.