Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a special session of the General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters on March 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

The United States Ambassador to the UN has expressed concerns over ‘volatile security’ situation in South Sudan.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the utterance at the UN Security Council briefing on South Sudan in New York, yesterday.

The Council deliberated on the recent reports of human rights abuses in Tombura County as well as the escalating inter-ethnic violence across the country.

A recent UNMISS report has documented the killing of 440 civilians, abduction, rapes and the displacement of an estimated 80,000 people in Tombura County of Western Equatoria State.

Media reports have also indicated a rising communal violence in 2022, with about 200 civilians killed in two months alone.

Last month, UNMISS reported that the fighting in Mirmir of Unity State has spilled over to the surrounding villages and resulted in the killing, looting as well as the forced displacement of civilians.

In her remarks at the Council meeting, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield says the US condemns the acts of violence and impunity in South Sudan.

“The United States remains deeply concerned about the volatile security situation throughout the country. Fighting between numerous actors has led to horrific allegations of human rights abuses including the killing of civilians, rapes, burning and destruction of villages and the looting of humanitarian supplies,” Ambassador Greenfield said.

“We strongly condemn these atrocious acts of violence and the impunity in which they are taking place.

We urgently call on local, state and national leaders to immediately intervene and hold accountable the perpetrators of human rights abuses regardless of affiliations. This council has to take these kinds of reports seriously.

“We can’t stay silent and the region can’t stay silent. The government of South Sudan must investigate and prosecute all those responsible for the crimes committed including and especially those in position of command and authority.” 

Meanwhile, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to the United Nations called on the unity government to speed up enactment of legal and institutional framework required to conduct free and fair elections.

She described as ‘unacceptable’, the slow pace in the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield said South Sudan needs to create an enabling environment for free and fair elections.

“The Government of South Sudan must swiftly implement key provisions of the Revitalized Agreement to work toward a true democracy,” Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said.

“That means an inclusive constitution drafting process, public financial management reform, transitional security arrangements, and transitional justice mechanisms – including the Hybrid Court — in order to ensure free and fair elections that reflect the will of all South Sudanese.

“Unfortunately, the Government of South Sudan is behind in meeting key electoral benchmarks outlined in the Revitalized Agreement, and that is simply unacceptable. We urge the Government to establish the legal and institutional framework required to conduct free and fair elections.”

South Sudanese are yet to elect their leaders, since the country seceded from the Sudan in July 2011.

For his part, the UN’s head of mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom told the council that the slow-moving implementation pace has brought about a feeling of frustration and disappointment amongst the people of South Sudan.

Mr. Haysom warned that national frustration is most evident in the high numbers of marginalized young people who have joined tribal militias, further worsening the country’s undercurrent of violence as a means of settling disputes.