Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Special Representative of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and UN Resident Coordinator in South Sudan – courtesy

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has renewed its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed commitment to the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Addressing journalists in Juba on Tuesday, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said restoring public confidence will require leaders to implement the peace agreement in both letter and spirit.

Gbeho stated that the safety and protection of civilians remain the primary responsibility of the Government of South Sudan.

“The safety of the South Sudanese people will remain the primary responsibility of the government. In this context, a cessation of hostilities and renewed commitment to implementing the peace agreement in both letter and spirit are urgently needed to restore public confidence and sustain progress,” she said.

“The United Nations will continue to support these efforts alongside our partners in the African Union and in IGAD,” she added.

The Head of UNMISS said the mission has decided to maintain its peacekeeping presence in Akobo County of Jonglei State due to continued insecurity and rising tensions in the area.

Anita Kiki Gbeho said the mission had initially planned to close its base in Akobo last December as part of UN-wide cost-saving measures.

However, she said the deteriorating security situation in Jonglei State and increased violence in Akobo forced the mission to reconsider the withdrawal.

“We are scheduled to draw down, or we were scheduled to draw down our base in Akobo last December due to UN-wide cost-saving measures. However, given the security situation in Jonglei, as well as rising conflict in Akobo itself, we decided to retain our peacekeepers until we were confident that our political engagements had taken hold,” he said.

“This meant that tensions reduced, civilians were no longer at imminent risk of harm, and conditions were in place for humanitarian partners to support affected communities,” she further said.

Gbeho added that displaced residents are now beginning to return to Akobo, while UN peacekeepers continue to provide protection to enable humanitarian agencies and aid organizations to deliver critical assistance.