During a UN Security Council (UNSC) video teleconference on September 16 to discuss the situation in South Sudan, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese mission to the UN, noted his appreciation for positive developments in the African country since the formation of the Transitional Government this year.

 The Vietnamese diplomat also welcomed the role played by the Government of South Sudan to broker peace agreements in neigbouring Sudan. It therefore appears that South Sudan’s efforts are encouraging, although the Northeast African country has faced huge challenges in recent times, including the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), flooding, and food shortages, Ambassador Quy explained.

 The Ambassador noted that the ceasefire has been fundamentally abided by in South Sudan, whilst calling on the South Sudanese Government to adopt effective solutions aimed at ending violence among local communities.

 Furthermore, Ambassador Quy highlighted the significance of a transitional period and full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement in South Sudan, a treaty that is based on UNSC sanctions which will be reviewed in December.

 Moreover, the Vietnamese diplomat praised the UNSC, UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), for their roles in promoting peace and development in South Sudan, stressing that Vietnam will strive to make greater contributions to UNMISS activities moving forward.

 David Shearer, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UNMISS, said the transitional Government continues to function, whilst activities are progressing well following the appointment of ministers and state governors.

Echoing Shearer’s view, Mark Lowock, UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said humanitarian needs, which are already in a difficult situation following years of conflict, are again rising. This can be put down to increasing violence, flooding, and COVID-19, which brings about a range of health and wider consequences, including increasing flood insecurity.

 The UNMISS head therefore stressed that his organisation maintains a clear mandate to protect civilians and will intervene if the situation dictates.

 At present, Vietnam has sent 68 military personnel to participate in the UNMISS, in addition to setting up a Level-2 field hospital in Bentiu, South Sudan, in 2018.