The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday for an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, regarding the escalating crisis in South Sudan and the operations of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The session will address critical issues impacting the fragile nation.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, is expected to brief the Council on the Secretary-General’s latest 90-day report, which was circulated to members on November 4th. The report covers developments from July 16th to October 15th. Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, will also provide insights during the briefing.
During the meeting, both briefers are likely to urge all parties to recommit to the ceasefire and exercise maximum restraint. They are also expected to call upon all leaders to fulfill their commitments to implementing the peace agreement, particularly the transitional security arrangements, and to engage in inclusive and consensual decision-making.
Several Council members are anticipated to express grave concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, including the exacerbation of food insecurity. A recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, issued on November 4th, projects that 7.56 million people – more than half of the population – will face crisis levels of hunger or worse during the 2026 dry season. Furthermore, over two million children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition during the same period.
The report also highlights that severe flooding and the negative humanitarian, security, socio-economic impacts of ongoing hostilities in Sudan are among the challenges compounding the already dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
The Council meeting will also address the financial crisis facing UN peacekeeping operations and its potential ramifications for UNMISS. The impact of austerity measures announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the implementation of the UNMISS mandate will be examined, especially at a time when the country is experiencing heightened political tensions and violence. The Council will likely discuss strategies to ensure UNMISS can effectively carry out its mandate despite budgetary constraints.
