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Ammon News - The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) discussed late Monday the situation in South Sudan, and listened to a briefing by the head of the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom.

Haysom said South Sudan’s Transitional Government recently and publicly recommitted to implementing the country’s Revitalized Peace Agreement in line with the timeline set out in the roadmap, adding that there will be no further extensions. Welcoming that commitment as well as strides made in implementing the Peace Agreement to date, he nevertheless noted some slippage.

"We see 2023 as a ‘make or break’ year and as a test for all parties on the peace agreement," the official indicated.

He also stressed that several hurdles must be cleared to complete the final phase of implementation in 2024, citing the need to draft a new constitution and fast-track preparations for the nation’s first-ever elections.

In turn, the Permanent Representative of South Sudan to the United Nations, Akuei Bona Malwal, stated that the 24-month extension of South Sudan’s transition period began 10 days ago, marking a new chapter in its journey towards lasting peace and stability.

Malwal spotlighted the severe impact of climate change on his country’s people, noting that they are currently grappling with an unprecedented combination of floods and droughts, which are devastating crop yields and animal husbandry in rural areas.

"Without prompt action from both the Government and the global community some regions may face a famine crisis," the envoy warned.