In his report to the UN Security Council (UNSC), Mr. Haysom noted the opening of the reconstituted Parliament and the inclusion of women to leading positions as critical steps.

But there are manifold challenges ahead for the peace process, he stressed, such is the case of establishing impartial and unified security institutions, especially in view of the elections for early 2023.

Haysom concerned about the increasingly restricted civic space in South Sudan, just as September 12 marked the three-year anniversary of the revitalized peace accord.

On the other hand, Reena Ghelani, Director of Operations and Advocacy Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OHCA) warned about the highest levels of food insecurity reported since independence of South Sudan: over 60% of the population is severely food insecure.

The combined effects of conflict, climate shocks, displacement, Covid-19 and the lack of investment in infrastructure and basic services, have driven them deeper into need.

More than 8.3 million people need humanitarian assistance, including 1.4 million children, she said.

Recently, the World Food Program (WFP) was forced to reduce food rations in all Refugee, protection of Civilian and IDP camps in South Sudan.

pgh/Pll/mem / ifb