The United Nations Security Council has officially extended the mandate of its peacekeeping mission in South Sudan for another year, amid escalating tensions and political unrest that threaten to push the fragile nation into renewed conflict.

Backed by the United States and endorsed by 11 Council members, the resolution grants the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) authority to operate until April 30, 2026. This decision follows a temporary nine-day “technical rollover” granted at the end of April, allowing more diplomatic negotiations before a full extension was agreed upon.

Adopted on Thursday, the resolution authorizes UNMISS to “use all necessary means” to fulfill its broad mandate. These include protecting civilians, enabling humanitarian assistance, supporting the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, and investigating human rights violations and breaches of international law.

Three countries — China, Russia, and Pakistan — abstained from the vote, citing concerns over the resolution’s political framing and its alignment with ground realities.

The decision to prolong the mission comes as South Sudan faces growing instability, both politically and militarily. The Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, recently warned that the implementation of the 2018 peace accord between President Salva Kiir and former First Vice President Riek Machar is unraveling. What began as a political standoff—including the arrest of Mr. Machar—has now escalated into open confrontation.

“This situation is darkly reminiscent of the conflicts of 2013 and 2016, which cost over 400,000 lives,” Haysom told Council members last month.

UNMISS was originally established in 2011 following South Sudan’s independence to stabilize a country already battling deep-seated ethnic divisions and humanitarian crises.

The mission’s current mandate keeps its military and police capacities at 17,000 troops and 2,101 officers, respectively, including 88 specialists in justice and corrections. However, the resolution hints at potential changes to these numbers depending on future developments.

Political Deadlock Stalls Peace Efforts

The renewed mandate also expressed “deep concern” over persistent delays in executing the peace agreement, urging South Sudanese leaders to demonstrate political will and engage in honest dialogue. It highlighted that “organization and funding of free and fair elections is the responsibility of the South Sudanese authorities” and pressed the transitional government to establish the legislative tools needed for credible national polls.

Additionally, the resolution condemned the ongoing use of sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers, and disruptions to humanitarian efforts—all of which continue to plague the country’s progress toward peace.

Before the vote, U.S. Acting Representative Dorothy Shea emphasized the urgency of addressing the deteriorating conditions in South Sudan. She drew attention to attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and the potential impact of recent demands that UNMISS vacate its Tomping base.

“The goal of UNMISS should be to render itself unnecessary by ushering in a lasting peace. The day that a peacekeeping operation is no longer required in South Sudan will be a bright one.”
Dorothy Shea

She warned against the insertion of vague, ideological objectives into peacekeeping operations, stressing that such missions should remain focused on practical, core responsibilities outlined in Chapter VII of the UN Charter—namely, the maintenance of international peace and security.

Explaining his country’s decision to abstain, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon argued that peacekeeping missions “must be tailored to the needs on the ground, not the political priorities of Council members.” He criticized the resolution for including issues “which have no direct link” to UNMISS’s actual operations, suggesting this prevented broader consensus.

Nonetheless, Jadoon reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for UNMISS and praised the commitment of its personnel. “UNMISS remains a force of stability in South Sudan. We greatly appreciate the dedication of its personnel and peacekeepers, who are performing their duties under difficult conditions,” he said.

As South Sudan grapples with the ongoing risk of relapse into civil war, the UN’s extended presence may be a crucial, if temporary, buffer against a return to widespread bloodshed.