The Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan Nicholas Haysom speaks at the 75th anniversary of the UN Peacekeepers Day in Juba. May 29, 2023 | Photo by Gregorio Cunha/UNMISS

The Special Representative to the UN Secretary-General in South Sudan says the mission’s top priority is to ensure that the country holds free, fair, and credible elections at the end of the transitional period.

Nicholas Haysom, who is also head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) made the remarks at the commemoration of the World Peace Keepers Day in Juba on Monday, May 29, 2023.

There are over 17,000 UN peacekeepers from different African and Asian countries in South Sudan.

Haysom said since South Sudan’s independence, the blue cap force has been protecting civilians, facilitating the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, reporting human rights violations, and helping build stable peace in South Sudan.

In a press statement, he said UNMISS’ top priority now is to help South Sudanese secure their stable and political future to develop the country.

“At UNMISS, our top priority is to help South Sudanese secure their stable and political future which will in turn enable them to build sustainable peace and development,” Haysom said in a video clip published on Twitter.

“As the South Sudan drafts the permanent constitution and gears up for free, fair, and credible elections, our role in supporting a peaceful and democratic transition remains a major of our success.”

Haysom said as the timeline of the peace process nears conclusion, UNMISS wants to see a return to lasting peace through a democratic transition.

“To the people of South Sudan, despite mounting challenges, we would like to underscore that we all have a part to play in shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for this nation. I assure you UNMISS will always be your partner for peace.”

He further said the citizens all have roles to play in shaping a better and prosperous future for the country.