The 3-week extension of the UNMISS mandate is unfortunate and unacceptable
5 min readUnited Nations Security Council’s unilateral extension of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) mandate for another three weeks is unfortunate and unacceptable
By Maliap Madit Mabior, Kampala, Uganda
August 3, 2016 (SSB) — Acting on the recommendation of the Secretary-General, the security council resolution 1996 (2011) of July 2011, established the United Nations Mission In South Sudan (UNMISS) for an initial period of a year from 9th July 2011, with intention to renew for further periods as may be required. The mandate of the mission ended on the same the following year.
The United Nations Mission In South Sudan – UNMISS’ objectives include the following; To consolidate peace and security and help to establish conditions for development in the Republic of South Sudan, with a view to strengthen the capacity of the Government of South Sudan to govern effectively and democratically and establish good relations with its neighbors.
If UNMISS had adhered to these core objectives, we would called it a better mission but it deviated and as a result, one would undoubtedly say that the mission (UNMISS) doing ‘No Good’ to the nation – South Sudan and qualifies my position to call it impartial or a failed mission.
Failures of UNMISS
Unfairness – since the conflict erupted on 15th December 2013, UNMISS didn’t portray neutrality. Instead of it being up to its mandate, it moved far. Through its report to the Security Council, global media, UNMISS gave ill-opinions about our government, nation. Actually in a generalized view, UNMISS should have stayed neutral as far as peace keeping is concerned which is its core value to the nation but it failed.
The Bor incident – UNMISS never adhered to its mandate but instead took an upper hand in Bor evidenced by arming of civilians who fled their homes. Those who were given arms killed many innocent lives just because they belong to certain tribe(s) and particularly the Jieng (Dinkas, Bor). Others (girls, women) were raped, the elderly and young ones were killed in UNMISS camp in presence of UNMISS officials. Was there any neutrality shown by UNMISS here? To me, that was enough to prove that UNMISS took side.
The Rumbek incident – in 2014, UNMISS stubbornly forged all ways to supply military ammunitions to the rebels in the then Unity State but God of South Sudan helped and were caught red-handed with two anti-tanks, pick-ups. Our government thought that the mission would rethink and would possibly get back to its mandate but failed.
As if that was not enough, UNMISS gave uniforms and guns to those who took refuge in their camps for killing other civilians who also went there for safety. This was witnessed in Juba, Bor, Malakal, and Bentiu and this is a clear evident of UNMISS failure.
The shooting of SPLA tanks, ATC – In the recent fighting in Juba, UNMISS had a hand in the killing of civilians as well as government soldiers. For instance, the shooting of two SPLA tanks (Armour, and an ATC) all these are pellucid proves or signs of UNMISS support of the rebels which I therefore term as abuse of our status as a nation.
UNMISS’ Tanks, Armors, heavy machines patrolling the city particularly Juba (before, during, and after the conflict) doesn’t reflect its core mission but rather threatening public peace countrywide. Hence, must be stopped
Worst of all, United Nations Security Council’s unilateral decision extending its mandate for another three weeks into August(till August 12th 2016) with a possibility of extension further is a clear vituperation of our sovereignty. Given these reasons witnessed by all South Sudanese, one would say boldly that United Nations Mission in South Sudan – UNMISS has an upper hand in our crisis or instability.
Furthermore, its unilateral extension of its mandate without prior adherence to our sovereignty or notifying our government formally proved its ill-intention towards the people, leadership of the Republic of South Sudan. There are many nations in war but the United Nations Security Council never made such decisions ever since its inception or formation, why South Sudan ? The answers are best known by the UNSC and as such, there is a verisimilitude of UNMISS declaring themselves to rule us if we don’t wake up and act now.
Despite the fact that there are regional and continental bodies – The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU) which should have a bigger say on South Sudan’s crisis or affairs, instead they are being used as bobsleigh by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to achieve their hidden interests in South Sudan and Africa as a whole.
Recommendations – All our government could or has to do now include; revising the diplomatic relationships with regional members, revising UNMISS – South Sudan relations as well as reviewing the UNMISS mandate.
Finally if all alternatives fail, the best decision our government could take would be calling-off or expelling UNMISS. NB. President Omar AL Bashir of Sudan did that with UNMIS, UNMID – Darfur and Sudan is still a country. What is wrong with us doing that? By virtue of reasons, I assure Africa and the entire globe that the Republic of South Sudan with God-given resources and with great people whom I correctly called the “seeds of humanity” will always remain strong and confidently we shall solve our problems with home-made solutions rather than imposed solutions.
Our country has now started a new chapter of peace, reconciliation, nation building under the wise leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, FVP Taban Deng Gai and VP James Wani Igga will move forward as desired.
Oh God Bless South Sudan!!
Long Live South Sudan!!
Long Live TGONU!
Long Live SPLA!!
The writer is a South Sudanese and can be reached via his email address: maliapmadit2016@gmail.com
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