NEW YORK – Liberia has called for a strengthened and clearly defined United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, warning that the country’s worsening political and security conditions require urgent and focused international intervention to protect civilians and stabilize the peace process.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing, Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti emphasized the need for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to prioritize its core responsibilities amid growing instability, displacement, and rising civilian casualties in the country.
Addressing the Council in support of a joint A3 statement presented by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Minister Nyanti stressed that UNMISS must remain focused on protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, and supporting the fragile peace process rather than expanding into overstretched mandates.
She warned that increasing expectations without matching resources risks weakening the mission’s effectiveness and undermining public trust in peacekeeping operations at a critical moment for South Sudan.
Drawing from Liberia’s own post-conflict recovery experience, Nyanti underscored that successful peacekeeping depends on efficiency and clarity of mandate rather than expansion of responsibilities without adequate support.
Liberia aligned with fellow African members of the Security Council in expressing deep concern over the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, noting escalating violence, widespread displacement, and the alarming rise in civilian suffering.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that peacekeeping remains indispensable in the current context, describing it as essential rather than optional for protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining stability.
She further called on the international community to ensure that the renewal of UNMISS is backed by predictable financing, operational flexibility, and sustained political backing to enhance its effectiveness on the ground.
Minister Nyanti also reaffirmed Liberia’s support for African-led diplomatic efforts, welcoming the appointment of former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, with South Sudan identified as a priority area.
While reaffirming the importance of elections in South Sudan’s democratic transition, Liberia cautioned that electoral processes must be grounded in improved security conditions, inclusivity, and strong protection for civilians to ensure credibility and stability.
“Peacekeeping cannot replace national leadership,” Minister Nyanti stated. “But the people of South Sudan deserve a mission that is credible, focused, and fully supported to save lives today while political solutions take root.”
Liberia reiterated its commitment to African solidarity and constructive engagement within the United Nations system, stressing the need for collective action to safeguard civilians and advance lasting peace in South Sudan.
