Pakistan warns UN funding crisis undermining South Sudan mission

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan, a leading contributor to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has issued a stark warning that critical funding shortfalls are undermining the mission's ability to protect civilians and maintain political stability.

Addressing the UN Security Council on Friday, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, highlighted the "liquidity crisis" currently hampering mandate implementation in the world's youngest nation. He cautioned that the financial strain is weakening the mission’s capacity to ensure safety and secure long-term stabilization in a highly fragile environment.

The Ambassador specifically noted that year-long delays in reimbursements are placing an "additional strain" on troop- and police-contributing countries. Pakistan, which maintains a significant boots-on-the-ground presence in South Sudan, emphasized that these fiscal gaps directly impact the operational effectiveness of personnel dedicated to maintaining peace.

The statement underscored that without resolving the liquidity issues, the mission’s core objectives—ranging from civilian protection to supporting the country's political transition—remain at risk.