Ambassador Cecilia A.M. Adeng, South Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addresses a UN Security Council meeting in New York. (Photo courtesy of the United Nations)

South Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Cecilia Adut, has told the UN Security Council that the country is prepared to conclude its transitional period through national elections.

Addressing the Council’s 10103rd meeting on Tuesday, Ambassador Adut reaffirmed that the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only viable framework for lasting peace in South Sudan. While acknowledging ongoing implementation challenges, she stressed the government’s commitment to a transition that leads to the polls, saying, “Our people deserve this.”

The Ambassador recognized concerns raised over recent violence but cautioned against what she described as a “false equivalence” between state actions and the activities of armed groups. She reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting civilians and ensuring sustained humanitarian access for the United Nations and its partners.

Ambassador Adut emphasized that South Sudan does not seek a return to conflict, stating that peace remains a shared national aspiration. She highlighted the need to manage the transition carefully to preserve stability and maintain state institutions.

She further noted that peace partners have remained open to dialogue to resolve differences and reduce tensions, urging the international community to adopt a balanced approach that supports dialogue while isolating spoilers operating outside the peace framework.

The Ambassador also reaffirmed South Sudan’s cooperation with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and commended the African Union, IGAD, and the C5 for their leadership and understanding of the regional context.

In her address, Ambassador Adut underscored the importance of investing in youth development, stressing that providing young people with opportunities and incentives for peace is critical to preventing their recruitment into violence.

She concluded by encouraging the Security Council to continue supporting de-escalation efforts and the permanent ceasefire, affirming the government’s readiness to work constructively with neighboring countries and international partners to safeguard the nation’s future.