UNMISS

UNMISS. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is a United Nations peacekeeping operation established in the wake of the world's newest nation's independence. Authorized by the United Nations Security Council to consolidate peace and security, its mandate has evolved significantly in response to the country's descent into civil war. The mission, headquartered in Juba, operates under a complex framework of Chapter VII provisions, focusing on civilian protection, human rights monitoring, and support for the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

Background and establishment

The mission's creation followed the successful independence referendum held in January 2011, where the people of Southern Sudan voted overwhelmingly to secede from the Republic of Sudan. This process was a key outcome of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Nairobi in 2005, which ended the Second Sudanese Civil War. Upon the formal declaration of independence on 9 July 2011, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1996, establishing UNMISS to assist the nascent Government of South Sudan. The mission succeeded the earlier United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), which had supported the CPA implementation. The founding resolution was passed under the presidency of Germany, reflecting broad international support for the new state's stability.

Mandate and objectives

The initial mandate centered on supporting peace consolidation and state-building, advising on security sector reform, and facilitating economic development. Following the outbreak of conflict in December 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and those of former Vice President Riek Machar, the Security Council significantly strengthened the mission's priorities. Core objectives were refocused through resolutions like 2155 and 2304, emphasizing the protection of civilians under imminent threat of physical violence. This includes securing Protection of Civilians sites, monitoring and investigating human rights abuses, and creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The mission also supports the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-led peace process and the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

Structure and leadership

The mission is led by a Special Representative of the Secretary-General, a position held by Nicholas Haysom of South Africa since 2021, succeeding David Shearer of New Zealand. The military component is commanded by a Force Commander, such as Lt. Gen. Mohammed T. T. Yahaya of Nigeria. UNMISS comprises four main pillars: military, police (including Formed Police Units), civilian, and a significant human rights division. The military force, with troops contributed by countries including Ethiopia, Rwanda, India, and Nepal, is deployed across the country's ten states and three administrative areas. The mission works in coordination with other international actors like the African Union, the European Union, and various non-governmental organizations.

Operations and activities

Operational activities are diverse and adapted to the volatile security environment. A primary function is the physical protection of civilians, often through proactive patrolling in conflict-affected areas like Unity State, Jonglei State, and the Greater Equatoria region. The mission manages several Protection of Civilians sites that have sheltered hundreds of thousands of displaced persons since 2013. UNMISS also conducts extensive human rights monitoring and reporting, with investigations into incidents such as the July 2016 violence in Juba. It facilitates humanitarian corridors, supports disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs, and provides technical assistance to the Transitional Government of National Unity. Furthermore, it plays a key role in supporting the deployment of the necessary unified forces as outlined in the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

Challenges and controversies

The mission has faced severe operational and political challenges. It operates in a context of persistent intercommunal violence, political intransigence, and frequent obstruction by national authorities, including restrictions on movement and bureaucratic impediments. The mission's capacity to protect civilians has been questioned following several high-profile incidents where its forces were unable to prevent atrocities, such as attacks on the PoC site in Malakal and civilians in Bentiu. Allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by some uniformed personnel have also marred its reputation, leading to investigations and repatriations. The complex relationship with the SPLM-led government, which has at times accused the mission of overstepping its mandate, further complicates its work.

Impact and evaluation

Assessments of UNMISS's impact are mixed. It is widely credited with saving tens of thousands of lives by providing direct physical protection within its sites and through patrols. Its human rights reporting has been instrumental in documenting violations and maintaining international attention on the crisis. However, critics argue that the mission has been unable to alter the fundamental political dynamics driving the conflict or to ensure comprehensive security outside its immediate bases. The United Nations Security Council regularly reviews its mandate, with debates often centering on the appropriate balance between peacekeeping and peace enforcement. The mission's long-term success is seen as inextricably linked to the genuine commitment of South Sudanese leaders to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan and the establishment of durable political institutions. Category:United Nations peacekeeping missions Category:2011 establishments in South Sudan Category:Organizations based in Juba