Security Council Press Statement

on South Sudan
3 June 2015

The members of the Security Council expressed their grave concern over the security
and humanitarian situation in South Sudan, and reiterated their full support for UNMISS
leadership and personnel and for the vital mandate they are performing under very
difficult conditions, including to protect civilians in South Sudan. In this regard, they
expressed concern over the latest developments in South Sudan, including the
Government of South Sudans 29 May 2015 decision to expel the UN Deputy Special
Representative of the Secretary-General/Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian
Coordinator for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The members of the Security Council underscored that to make such a determination
immediately following the 27 May 2015 warning by the World Food Programme that
South Sudan is facing the worst levels of food insecurity in the young countrys history
because of a combination of conflict, high food prices and a worsening economic crisis,
shows a disregard for the plight of the South Sudanese people and for the essential role
the international community, in particular the United Nations, is playing to address the
dire humanitarian crisis and deliver hope to the people.
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the repeated
violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement accepted and signed by the
Republic of South Sudan and the SPLM/A (in Opposition) on 23 January 2014, and
underscored that there is no military solution to this conflict that is only growing more
violent as it nears its 18th month. They further condemned the 28 May 2015 exchange
of gunfire into the UNMISS Protection of Civilians site in Malakal by Sudan Peoples
Liberation Army soldiers, resulting in the injury of three civilians and one UNMISS
peacekeeper. The members of the Security Council reiterated their call upon the
Government of South Sudan to immediately take steps to ensure the safety of all
civilians and UNMISS Protection of Civilian sites in South Sudan, to swiftly investigate
these incidents, and to bring the perpetrators of these egregious acts to justice. In this
regard, they underlined their willingness to impose sanctions against those who
threaten the peace, security or stability of South Sudan as established in resolution
2206 (2015).
The members of the Security Council demanded that all parties end intimidation and
harassment against UNMISS and humanitarian personnel, cease ongoing restrictions
on freedom of movement, and allow UNMISS to fully implement its mandate. They
further demanded full adherence to the Status of Forces Agreement, and underscored

the importance of close cooperation and communication, including at the highest levels,
between the Government and UNMISS and in addressing these issues.
The members of the Security Council called upon all parties to engage meaningfully in
the peace process so as to bring about a political solution to the crisis and an end to the
conflict. They urged the Secretary-General to renew the UNs engagement with all
relevant stakeholders to help bring an end to the ongoing crisis in South Sudan.