The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Anita Kiki Gbeho, has renewed the call for inclusive political dialogue to achieve lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.
Speaking during her first press conference in Juba on
Tuesday, Gbeho said dialogue among political leaders remains critical in
addressing the country’s ongoing political and security challenges.
She said early consultations since assuming office show a
broad understanding among stakeholders that only continued engagement can
sustain the gains of the peace process.
“While these discussions have primarily focused on political
tensions and continued security and humanitarian concerns, they have left me in
no doubt that, no matter the interlocutor is, there is a common goal in working
towards a peaceful and prosperous future for all South Sudanese,” Gbeho said.
“We are clear: This is a South Sudan-owned peace process,
and it must remain so. We are not seeking to impose external milestones on the
Parties.”
Gbeho said the United Nations is not imposing solutions but
supporting space for meaningful engagement among South Sudanese actors.
“The UN – your partner of choice - is here to help create
space for leaders to fulfill the promise of peace they made to their citizens,”
she said.
She stressed that inclusive political dialogue must involve
all key stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society, women, and
youth, in order to ensure broad-based participation and durable outcomes.
The UNMISS Chief warned that without sustained dialogue and
compromise, progress made under the peace agreement could be undermined.
“Ultimately, lasting progress will depend on the willingness
of the parties to engage in inclusive dialogue and reach political compromise,”
she said.
Gbeho reaffirmed that continued political dialogue,
supported by regional and international partners such as the African Union and
IGAD, remains essential to consolidating peace and ensuring long-term stability
in South Sudan.
