UNSC in session - file picture

The UN Security Council is holding consultations on the UN Mission in South Sudan and on relations between Sudan and South Sudan.

The Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, HervéLadsous, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, are expected to brief the Council on UNMISS and issues to do with the government of South Sudan.

The chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, Maria Cristina Perceval, will also brief the sitting on Sudan’s sanctions against South Sudan.

Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan and head of UNMISS Hilde Johnson is also expected to appear before the Council by satellite link.

The talks between the government delegation and the SPLM/SPLA in Opposition, mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, are expected to be on the agenda, after the SPLM/ SPLA- in Opposition refused to take part until political prisoners are released and Ugandan troops leave the country.

The briefers will also discuss efforts by UNMISS to coordinate with the advance team of IGAD Ceasefire Monitors in areas affected by fighting.

Some members may also want information on how UNMISS could assist the upcoming AU Commission of Inquiry which, according to the AU Peace and Security Council communiqué of 30 December, is expected to make recommendations on ways to ensure accountability, reconciliation and healing in South Sudan.

An update on the situation in Abyei and the work of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei will be on the agenda.

This could include any progress in establishing the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone between South Sudan and Sudan, and the state of inter-communal relations in Abyei between the Misseriya and Ngok-Dinka.

They will also discuss how the conflict has affected oil production in South Sudan and an update on Sudan potentially providing technical assistance to operate oil facilities.