Link to web article here.
 |
| The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) until 15 December 2015. |
Resolution 2241 (2015) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter was adopted by a vote of 13 in favour to none against, while Russia and Venezuela chose to abstain from voting.
Originally signed in August, the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan to resolve the nearly two-year conflict was hailed as the first step in reversing the difficult political and economic situation, as well as a humanitarian and security 'catastrophe'.
In addition to extending the peacekeeping mission, the Security Council urged the parties to implement a recent peace deal and adjust the operation's activities, requesting the Secretary-General to prioritise the deployment of unarmed unmanned aerial systems.
The council outlined plans to consider taking all necessary measures against those 'whose actions jeopardise peace, stability and security in South Sudan', while noting that those guilty of such acts or entities may be subject to targeted sanctions.
"The council outlined plans to consider taking all necessary measures against those 'whose actions jeopardise peace, stability and security in South Sudan'."
In a written statement, the secretary-general was requested to prioritise the complete deployment of UNMISS personnel to the authorised military and police strength, including tactical military helicopters and unarmed unmanned aerial systems.
Among other initiatives, the council called on the secretary-general to conduct a mandate review within 45 days, and to provide both an assessment and recommendations for necessary civilian and force structure capabilities for UNMISS deployment.
The council also asked for provision of technical assistance to the Commission of the African Union and to the Transitional Government of National Unity to implement Chapter V of the agreement, including in the establishment of the hybrid court for South Sudan.
In addition, the resolution called on secretary-general to report within six months on such assistance, and also invited the African Union to share information, expressing its intention to assess the work accomplished.
Image: A wide view of the UN Security Council in session. Photo: courtesy of UN Photo / Devra Berkowitz (file).