The head of the United Nations mission in South Sudan has warned that the country faces an 'existential crisis' as it struggles to prepare for its first post-independence election. Nicholas Haysom told the UN Security Council that preparations for the vote, originally set for December, are far from sufficient, raising fears of a return to nationwide conflict.
South Sudan, the world's newest nation, has been plagued by ethnic rivalries and historical enmities. The town of Abiemnom, near the border with Sudan and the oil-rich Abyei region, exemplifies the volatility. This year, raids from Warrap state and militias from Unity state have killed scores, while Sudan's civil war brings the notorious Rapid Support Forces closer.
The UN has 14,000 peacekeepers in South Sudan, but Haysom has requested an additional battalion of 1,000 soldiers. He described the situation as 'existential', citing a chronic food crisis, the pressure of hosting 700,000 refugees from Sudan, and a decline in aid for a country where three-quarters of the population need humanitarian assistance.
The rupture of a crucial oil pipeline in Sudan has compounded the crisis. Oil exports account for nearly 90% of government revenue, and the economy is in freefall. Haysom warned that a second war in the region would be 'absolutely catastrophic'.
Uncertainty over the election details, including the electoral system and voter registration, is deterring donors and sowing unease. 'Academic literature shows that elections are one of the most likely triggers for relapse into conflict,' Haysom said. 'This country is in a state of some anxiety.'
