The continued surge in violence that have claimed hundreds of lives including humanitarian workers has been a result of weakened rule of law in South Sudan, the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and UNMISS Boss Nicholas Haysom told Security Council.

Mr. Haysom was briefing the UN Security Council on situation in South Sudan on Monday when he said worsened economic crisis was another drive of violence in the youngest African nation.

“Worryingly, weakened rule of law, institutions and economic deterioration have led to increased criminality and targeting of humanitarian workers. This year alone, four humanitarian workers have been killed and millions of dollars of humanitarian supplies looted or destroyed.”

It is close to 16 months since the inception of the revitalized government in February 2020 and parties were yet to complete the formation of the state governments, creating power vacuum at local level.

In recent months, some parts of the country have been witnessing series of subnational violence where hundreds of lives have been lost with many more people wounded, including in Warrap, Lakes, greater Jonglei and Unity states.

Also parties to the revitalized agreement were yet to reach agreement with the holdout groups to end rampant violence and suffering of South Sudanese as NAS presence continues to threaten stability.in Equatoria region.

This complex situation in South Sudan has also hindered humanitarian services delivery to thousands affected across the country as aid workers become a target where some have lsot their lives trying to safe lives of vulnerable people.

“The callous and indiscriminate killing of humanitarian workers is deplorable. UNMISS recognizes its own important contribution to creating a safe environment for humanitarian partners. And the mission will continue to take the lead in promoting and advancing for safe conditions for the delivery of saving services,” said Mr. Haysom.

Commending the revitalized government for progress in establishment of a taskforce to oversee and coordinate transitional justice and other political reforms and the reconstitution of national transitional legislative, Mr. Haysom pointed out the need for elections and establishment of the permanent constitution to end hostilities in the country.

“Making irreversible progress towards peace requires tangible gains on implementing the agreed upon transitional benchmarks. These benchmarks include significant markers regarding an enduring national accommodation and a lasting peace in the form of elections, a new constriction, and the establishment of democratic institutions,” he said.

He however, called on the Council and international community to support South Sudan and its people to realize their ambitions at independence ten years ago in July 2011.

“On 9 July, the Republic of South Sudan will mark its tenth anniversary as an independent state. Council members will recollect the jubilation ten years ago when we welcomed South Sudan to the family of independent nations.”

“The international community pledged its support to South Sudan then. The commitment remains as important as urgent today as the world’s youngest nation strives to deliver peace and security to its citizens,” said Haysom.