Jean-Pierre Lacroix, our Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, wrapped up his trip to Sudan, Abyei and South Sudan.

In South Sudan, he met President Salva Kiir earlier today. Wrapping up his visit, and speaking to the media, he stated that the primary purpose of his visit was to reaffirm the UN’s continued support and commitment to South Sudan, particularly as the country enters the fourth extension of its transitional period in the face of a dire economic and humanitarian situation, as well as rising violence. 

Mr. Lacroix expressed hope that the parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement will overcome political deadlocks through consensus and move swiftly to ensure that this latest extension leads to elections under the best possible circumstances. The UN stands ready to assist.

Over the weekend, he visited Abyei, where he met with local and international stakeholders, including the Sudan- and South Sudan-appointed administrations, traditional leaders, civil society representatives, women groups, and of course our agencies and peacekeepers. Discussions focused on UNISFA's protection efforts in Abyei, the proliferation of arms and the escalating humanitarian crisis driven by the conflict in Sudan and flooding in South Sudan. In Port Sudan, Mr. Lacroix met with the Minister of Defence, with high-level officials of the Sovereignty Council and of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with UN agencies. 

From Juba, he will head to New Delhi to attend the 2025 Women, Peace and Security Conference.