On 12 March 2020, the Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) until 15 March 2021.
Unanimously adopting Resolution 2514 (2020) under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council reiterated its grave alarm and concern about the political, security, economic and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan and the violence that has affected the country since December 2013.
It described the revitalized peace agreement, signed in September 2018, as an “important step forward in the peace process that provides a window of opportunity to achieve sustainable peace and stability”. The Council called on parties to demonstrate the political will to peacefully resolve the conflict. It noted that the negotiation of power-sharing and security arrangements and the safe return of all parties to Juba are essential to advance the peace process.
The Council called for the full, effective and meaningful participation of women in the peace process and urged parties to fulfil their commitment to inclusivity in the peace agreement, including national diversity, gender, youth and regional representation.
The formation of a Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity in February 2020 was welcomed as an encouraging development and a significant step towards sustainable peace.
Resolution 2514 (2020) maintains the overall UNMISS force levels with a troop ceiling of 17,000 personnel and a police ceiling of 2101 personnel, including 88 corrections officers. It expresses a readiness to consider making necessary adjustments to match security conditions on the ground.
The Resolution authorizes UNMISS to use all necessary means to perform the following tasks:
- Protection of civilians
- Creating the conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance
- Supporting the implementation of the revitalized agreement and the peace process
- Monitoring and investigating human rights
